Rubber parts of BS-III vehicles may require replacement due to E20 fuel consumption, says Nitin Gadkari | Today’s news
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Wednesday that some rubber parts and seals in BS-III vehicles introduced from April 1, 2005 and manufactured before 2016 may need to be replaced when they run on E20 fuel.
In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Gadkari said that regarding mileage concerns due to the use of E20 fuel, car manufacturers and vehicle/engine testing agencies have clarified that vehicle mileage is affected by a number of factors other than just fuel type.
“No performance deviations”
Gadkari said the study to evaluate the effects of E20 on two-wheelers and four-wheelers was jointly conducted by Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP) Dehradun, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI).
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He said the studies showed no need to modify the car and two-wheeler engines.
These studies, he said, confirmed that even the older vehicles did not show any significant variation in performance or abnormal wear when running on E20 fuel.
However, the minister said that no problems were reported in parameters such as handling, startability, metal compatibility and plastic compatibility.
“Only in case of testing on BS-III vehicles introduced from April 1, 2005 and manufactured before 2016, some rubber parts and seals may require replacement which can be easily handled during the normal service routine of the vehicle,” he said.
Growing opposition to the introduction of E20
Gadkari’s admission about the potential harms of E20 petrol comes as criticism continues to grow over the introduction of ethanol fuel. Critics questioned whether all vehicles were fully E20 compatible, pointed to the potential for reduced fuel economy and higher maintenance costs, and sought to clarify liability should engine or fuel system problems arise.
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The government says the transition has been phased and supported by extensive testing, while carmakers have said they continue to honor warranty claims for vehicles using E20 fuel. Opposition parties have repeatedly sought greater transparency regarding vehicle compatibility and consumer guarantees.
Kejriwal attacks Govt
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday alleged that car makers were reluctant to publicly clarify whether E20 fuel is suitable for petrol vehicles manufactured before 2023, claiming they were under pressure from the Centre.
At a press conference, Kejriwal said he has written to 29 car manufacturers to clarify whether E20 fuel can be safely used in petrol vehicles manufactured before 2023 and whether the companies will bear the cost of repairs or compensate consumers for any loss of mileage if the fuel causes damage.
Claiming that none of the companies responded in writing, Kejriwal said officials from nine manufacturers had informed him by phone that the use of E20 fuel in vehicles produced before 2023 could affect engines, fuel systems and mileage, but they were unwilling to make such observations publicly.
He claimed that the companies did not issue written responses because consumers could demand compensation if the vehicles were found to be damaged or had reduced mileage.
Kejriwal further alleged that the Center wanted manufacturers to say that E20 fuel is safe for older vehicles.
He also questioned the Centre’s promotion of E20 fuel, saying it could affect nearly 30 million vehicles manufactured before 2023, including 22 million two-wheelers and eight million four-wheelers.
The AAP chief further claimed that ethanol is more expensive than petrol, offers lower mileage due to its lower calorific value and does not benefit farmers.
