New Delhi: Popular YouTuber Sourav Joshi has become the latest public figure to fuel the online debate over E20 petrol, after claiming in his recent vlogs that the fuel efficiency of his Mercedes dropped sharply following the switch to ethanol-blended fuel. His remarks have gone viral on social media, prompting hundreds of users to share similar experiences and reigniting discussion over whether E20 petrol affects vehicle mileage.

The issue gained traction after clips from Joshi's vlog began circulating online. In one of the videos, he says his Mercedes, which earlier delivered around 15-16 kmpl, saw its mileage fall to 9 kmpl, before dropping further to nearly 5 kmpl.

"I showed you guys how our car's mileage dropped straight from 17 kmpl to 9 kmpl. And today, it has gone down to around 5 kmpl," Joshi says in the viral clip.

 

The video has attracted widespread attention, with many social media users claiming they too have experienced lower fuel efficiency after using E20 petrol. While several users supported Joshi for speaking about the issue, others debated whether the problem was linked to vehicle compatibility rather than the fuel itself.

One user wrote in Hindi, "Good job highlighting the problems with ethanol. I wish the government would listen to you."

Another commented, "He's the first YouTuber to openly talk about E20. This should be banned. The government is giving us anything. Our vehicles' engines are getting damaged, who is going to pay for that?"

Some users attempted to explain the issue technically. One comment read, "Your car's engine probably does not support petrol containing 20% ethanol, which is why the mileage has dropped. Only newer models, especially those introduced around 2023 onwards, are designed for E20 compatibility. That's why I think EVs are a better option than this government-backed E20 programme."

Another user thanked the YouTuber for raising the issue, writing, "Thank you for speaking about this problem. People across the country are facing it, but very few well-known personalities have been willing to talk about it publicly."

The viral discussion has coincided with another widely shared video featuring former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who recently visited a petrol pump and a vehicle service centre in Delhi to interact with motorists about their experience with E20-blended petrol.

According to Kejriwal, several vehicle owners told him that their vehicles were delivering lower mileage after using E20 fuel, while some also alleged that they had encountered mechanical issues. Sharing his observations on X, the Aam Aadmi Party leader said he visited the locations to understand the "ground reality" surrounding E20 petrol.

"Many people told me that their vehicles' mileage has reduced, and some also complained about mechanical issues," Kejriwal said, alleging that the government's claims regarding E20 petrol did not match the experiences shared by some consumers.

He further argued that citizens raising concerns over E20 fuel should not be dismissed and that governments should listen to public feedback on issues affecting everyday life. According to him, the purpose of his visit was to bring the experiences of ordinary vehicle owners into the larger public conversation.

Government rejects misinformation on E20 petrol

The renewed debate comes just days after the Government of India issued a detailed clarification countering what it described as misinformation surrounding the country's E20 ethanol-blended petrol programme. The government rejected viral claims suggesting that E20 universally damages engines, voids insurance coverage or is environmentally harmful.

India has been expanding the use of E20 petrol, a fuel blend containing up to 20% ethanol, as part of its strategy to reduce dependence on imported crude oil, cut emissions and support domestic ethanol production. Automobile manufacturers have also been introducing E20-compatible vehicles in line with the government's roadmap.

Industry experts have repeatedly maintained that vehicles specifically certified as E20-compatible are engineered to operate safely with the higher ethanol blend. Owners of older vehicles, however, are generally advised to follow their manufacturers' recommendations regarding fuel compatibility.