E20 petrol safe for vehicles, rumours on engine damage and warranty issues unfounded: Hardeep Singh Puri

Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has dismissed concerns surrounding the nationwide rollout of 20 per cent ethanol-blended petrol (E20), saying that reports of widespread vehicle damage, warranty complications and consumer resistance are based on “misrepresentation".

In an exclusive interview to News18, Puri strongly defended the government's ethanol-blending programme, describing it as part of India's strategy to reduce emissions, cut fuel imports and advance energy security.

The minister rejected claims that E20 fuel causes engine damage, particularly in older vehicles, saying data from automobile manufacturers and service networks does not support such concerns.

“Suzuki have serviced 1.5 crore vehicles and they didn’t report any damage," News18 quoted Puri as saying, adding that neither vehicle manufacturers nor mechanics have identified any systemic issues linked to the use of ethanol-blended fuel.

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His remarks come amid growing public debate over the impact of E20 fuel on vehicle performance, maintenance costs and long-term engine health as India pushes ahead with its ethanol-blending targets.

Addressing concerns over vehicle warranties and insurance coverage, Puri said initial confusion surrounding the transition had been resolved.

“A lot of rumours were being spread regarding the warranty issues, and many insurance companies said they wouldn’t be covering the costs, but all of that is sorted now," he was quoted as saying.

The minister's assurance is aimed at easing concerns among vehicle owners who feared that using E20 fuel could affect manufacturer warranties or lead to insurance disputes in the event of mechanical failures.

While acknowledging that ethanol-blended fuel may result in a slight reduction in mileage due to the lower calorific value of ethanol than conventional petrol, Puri argued that fuel efficiency should not be the sole measure used to assess the benefits of the transition.

“Mileage needs to be looked at in an overall context," Puri argued, framing ethanol as a stepping stone towards cleaner transportation technologies.

“When it comes to technology, you always proceed from the current to a more environmentally sustainable phase. Ethanol is only one step in that direction," he added.

The government has consistently maintained that the advantages of ethanol blending extend beyond fuel economy. Officials argue that ethanol can improve engine performance by enhancing torque and throttle response, while its higher octane rating helps reduce engine knocking and supports cleaner combustion.

According to the government, extensive testing has shown that E20 fuel does not cause long-term damage to vehicle engines, reinforcing its position that the transition can be implemented safely across the country's transport sector.