Carmakers back E20 fuel, flag minor mileage dip in older vehicles

Vehicle manufacturers have come out in support of the government's mandate requiring 20% ethanol blending in petrol, known as E20. Industry leaders confirmed that no engine damage has been reported since the policy's implementation. However, they acknowledged that older vehicles may experience a slight decline in fuel efficiency due to ethanol's lower calorific value compared to pure petrol. Overall, automakers say field experience with E20 has been positive. Separately, discussions are underway with the government on promoting flex-fuel vehicles as a longer-term solution.