Mileage drop due to E20? 2-6%, says 1 minister, 3-5%, says another

NEW DELHI: How much is the estimated drop in fuel efficiency when E20 fuel is used in non-E20-compliant vehicles? While govt rejected claims on social media of substantial loss in mileage due to E20 petrol, transport and petroleum ministries have given slightly different figures.Road transport ministry, citing a study by Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and Indian Oil Corporation, informed Lok Sabha on Thursday that fuel efficiency of BS-III, BS-IV and BS-VI vehicles designed for E10 petrol “may be reduced by 2-6%, depending on the vehicle category and vintage” when operated on E20 fuel.On July 20, petroleum ministry had told Rajya Sabha that “any reduction in fuel economy in certain older E10-designed vehicles is generally limited to about 3-5%.” It added that E20 petrol offers a higher octane rating, superior anti-knock characteristics, cleaner combustion and smoother engine operation.Both ministries have maintained that fuel economy depends on several factors, including driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle maintenance.Get the latest Business News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.