Ethanol-blended fuel or E20 should have been a planned rollout by the government, characterised by well-informed users, with the automotive sector on the same page. However, instead it has been an open field of chaos, contradictory statements and narratives running in different directions or in circles at best.
Even a cursory glance at the social media handles gives a peep into the popular public sentiment pertaining to the E20 blended fuel. Complaints of engine damage and decreased fuel efficiency are widespread across the platforms. For car owners of older models, driving a petrol car is more of a leap of faith given the contradictory statements by the industry itself.
What does the industry say?
The earlier shifting stances and wide-ranging statements from the automotive industry and the insurance companies have all been tailored to be in sync with the government’s statements. Earlier in response to a tweet by a consumer, Toyota said the use of E20 fuel was not advisable even in E10 vehicles and would even void warranty of the impacted parts in case of any damage due to fuel non-compatibility. While TATA Motors has said it’s okay to use E20, Bajaj has clarified that its latest vehicles are equipped to handle and run on E20 fuel. But the older vehicles may need a “fuel system cleaner” to keep the plumbing free of gunk.
Acko Insurance in the now-deleted tweet said that engine failure due to incorrect fuel usage would constitute “gross negligence” and the claim would not be admissible. There is no specific statement by automakers on what exactly constitutes “older models or compatible models.” Reportedly, Maruti has come up with upgrade kits for Maruti car owners whose vehicles aren’t compatible with E20 fuel. However, this option to upgrade is only available for cars not older than 15 years.
Government sings a different tune
Fuel independence, reduced imports, improved forex exchange, better price to farmers and carbon emission reductions are the reasons cited by the government for shifting to E20 fuel.
Responding to widespread personal claims by users on the damaged vehicle and reduced mileage, the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, earlier this week in a statement, rejected all claims as “misplaced.” On the contrary, it said, “The use of E20 gives better acceleration, better ride quality and most importantly, lowered carbon emissions by approximately 30 per cent as compared to E10 fuel.”
Also read: E20 fuel boosts acceleration, cuts carbon emissions 30pc: Centre
Part of the anger is not even at being peddled ethanol blended fuel, a lot of it stems from not being given clarity over blended fuel, its impact on car models, at not being given options for non-blended fuel and at being given 80 per cent of the petrol at the same 100 per cent price.
Tax activist and political influencer Venkatesh Alla writes, “Enough is enough. The arrogance over E20 petrol must be answered with action. Join #NoCarSeptember, don’t buy, postpone, cancel and cut down travel.” #NoCarSeptember aims to be effective as its goal is at hitting the government where it hurts — revenue. A united pause at buying or using vehicles might push the automobile industry to pressure policymakers into giving options to consumers and not rendering them completely helpless.
Tech influencer Akshay demands the right to choose fuel, writing that, “Mechanics are already seeing more fuel system issues. E20 in E10 engines is damage waiting to happen. We warned. The government ignored.” Another user Anuradha Tiwari writes, “Just paid full price for adulterated petrol. No label on pumps. The staff had no clue. No choice. No warning. No price benefit. Even XP95, the so-called premium fuel, has ethanol. My car isn’t E20 compatible. When the engine gets damaged, who will pay for it?”
Tagging the Petroleum Ministry, the accounts demand transparency and some kind of power, “People who use older car models, shouldn’t they have a choice of E10 fuel?”
While the memes have a field day, some speculate the transition as a nexus between car makers and lawmakers where they both collect revenue on sale of new cars as any model older than 2-3 years would be rendered damaged quite soon. It’s not even about being a catalyst for change, it’s about fighting back into making themselves heard by the regime, at being given options or answers, and offered transparency. Above all, it’s about not going down without a fight. Is the Centre listening?
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