The Odisha Petroleum Dealers Association (OPDA) has urged the Centre to reconsider the nationwide rollout of E20 petrolciting an increase in customer complaints related to vehicle performance following the introduction of the ethanol-blended fuel.
In a representation to the government, the association said fuel dealers across the state have received complaints from motorists reporting reduced fuel efficiency, engine knocking, hard starting, rough engine performance and concerns over moisture contamination in fuel systems.
According to the association, while petroleum dealers are responsible for supplying fuel approved under government policy, they are increasingly facing customer grievances over issues that many consumers attribute to the use of 20% ethanol-blended petrol.
The OPDA has requested the Centre to review the implementation of the E20 programme and assess its impact on different categories of vehicles, particularly older models that were not originally designed for higher ethanol blends.
The representation comes amid an ongoing national debate over the E20 rollout, with the government maintaining that the fuel has undergone extensive laboratory, vehicle and field testing before its nationwide implementation.
The Centre has consistently defended the programme, stating that E20 petrol is a scientifically validated fuel blend developed under the Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme to reduce crude oil imports, lower carbon emissions and support India’s biofuel economy. Government agencies, including the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Indian Oil R&D and the Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP)have previously said their studies found no significant engine durability or performance issues when E20 is used in compatible vehicles.
The government has also clarified that the use of approved E20 fuel does not automatically void manufacturer warranties and has urged consumers to rely on official guidance regarding vehicle compatibility.
India has been progressively expanding ethanol blending as part of its broader energy security strategy, with the programme expected to reduce dependence on imported crude oil, provide higher incomes to sugarcane farmers and contribute to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
While the Centre continues to support nationwide adoption of E20 petrol, the latest concerns raised by Odisha’s fuel dealers are likely to add to discussions on consumer awareness, vehicle compatibility and the pace of implementation.
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