‘In the middle of the road’, after YouTuber Manish Kashyap, ‘this’ businessman raised a question on E20 petrol.

By Samira Vishwas On Jul 12, 2026

YouTuber Manish Kashyap’s allegations
A question raised by a businessman on E20 petrol
Allegation that the mileage is reduced

E20 petrol means petrol made by mixing 20% ethanol in petrol, there is a lot of debate between the government and people across the country. People are angry that its use is reducing vehicle mileage and causing engine damage. Recently, Bihar-based YouTuber Manish Kashyap criticized the government over the issue. Now, a businessman in Chennai has raised a similar point.

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Chennai-based businessman Sachin George has been meeting vehicle owners and mechanics for the past few months and registering their grievances. They are also running an awareness campaign on social media. In an interview given to ‘South First’, Sachin George explained that his bike stalls on the road due to E20 petrol.

Mileage is halved

Sachin George said he owns two Activa scooters, two motorcycles and a Maruti Ciaz car, all purchased before 2023. Since E20 petrol became mandatory on April 1, 2026, the mileage of all their vehicles has dropped significantly. The Activa, which used to give a mileage of 35 to 40 kmph, now only gives a mileage of 28 to 30 kmph. The mileage of motorcycles has also dropped from 35 kmph to just 20-23 kmph. He said that their bikes often get stuck on the road.

Carburetor and fuel pump are going bad

According to mechanics in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, petrol containing ethanol is causing rapid deterioration of carburettors, fuel injectors and fuel pumps of vehicles.
This is because ethanol absorbs moisture from the air, causing rust and debris to build up in the fuel system.
Once a vehicle breaks down, the repair costs range from Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000, which is a huge burden for the poor daily wage earners.

Questions raised on the government’s policy

Questioning the government’s policy, Sachin said, ‘I am not against ethanol, but I object to the way it is being implemented.’ He said that India certainly imports crude oil, but we are also a major exporter of refined petrol. India exports unadulterated conventional petrol to Singapore, Bhutan and African countries. So why are Indian consumers not offered the option of E0 (unadulterated), E5 or E10 petrol?

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