Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
India’s Carmakers Warned E20 Could Corrode Cars, Then Withdrew the Numbers
India’s car industry has withdrawn a warning linking contaminated E20 petrol with increased corrosion, wear and component replacements, saying its figures require wider authentication.
SIAM’s original letter reportedly blamed excessive chloride and moisture found in some retail fuel, particularly affecting pumps, injectors and emissions equipment. It withdrew the numbers following government criticism, leaving the contamination concern unresolved.
Regular petrol across India is now E20 and E10 is unavailable. A limited exception remains: expensive 100-octane grades including XP100, poWer100 and Speed100 contain no ethanol.
Properly manufactured E20 contains less energy than petrol, making reduced economy unavoidable. Government and industry figures suggest E10-designed vehicles may lose approximately 3–5%. Newer E20-compatible cars should tolerate the blend, although economy can still fall slightly. Their engines may benefit from its higher octane rating.
Older vehicles face greater potential risk because ethanol can affect unsuitable seals, hoses and metals, especially when moisture or chloride contamination is present. Available testing and service data has yet to demonstrate widespread mechanical damage caused by compliant E20.
E20-specific additives are sold in India, including a Liqui Moly treatment claiming corrosion, moisture and deposit protection. Such products cannot replace lost energy content, upgrade unsuitable components or guarantee compatibility. Owners should follow manufacturer guidance.
Sources: Reuters, Indian government, NITI Aayog
India’s Carmakers Warned E20 Could Corrode Cars, Then Withdrew the Numbers
India’s car industry has withdrawn a warning linking contaminated E20 petrol with increased corrosion, wear and component replacements, saying its figures require wider authentication.
SIAM’s original letter reportedly blamed excessive chloride and moisture found in some retail fuel, particularly affecting pumps, injectors and emissions equipment. It withdrew the numbers following government criticism, leaving the contamination concern unresolved.
Regular petrol across India is now E20 and E10 is unavailable. A limited exception remains: expensive 100-octane grades including XP100, poWer100 and Speed100 contain no ethanol.
Properly manufactured E20 contains less energy than petrol, making reduced economy unavoidable. Government and industry figures suggest E10-designed vehicles may lose approximately 3–5%. Newer E20-compatible cars should tolerate the blend, although economy can still fall slightly. Their engines may benefit from its higher octane rating.
Older vehicles face greater potential risk because ethanol can affect unsuitable seals, hoses and metals, especially when moisture or chloride contamination is present. Available testing and service data has yet to demonstrate widespread mechanical damage caused by compliant E20.
E20-specific additives are sold in India, including a Liqui Moly treatment claiming corrosion, moisture and deposit protection. Such products cannot replace lost energy content, upgrade unsuitable components or guarantee compatibility. Owners should follow manufacturer guidance.
Sources: Reuters, Indian government, NITI Aayog
