Bhubaneswar: As Odisha’s motorists adapt to E20-blended petrol, the transition is beginning to reshape buying behaviour, fuel choices and maintenance spending, creating a distinct set of winners and losers across the state’s automobile sector.While ethanol blending has been promoted nationally to reduce dependence on imported crude oil and support cleaner fuels, its impact is being felt at the ground level, particularly among owners of older vehicles, fuel retailers, mechanics and EV dealers.EV dealers appear to be among the major beneficiaries. Showroom operators in the twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar said footfall and enquiries have risen in recent weeks as motorists compare the economics of petrol-powered vehicles with EV alternatives.“People are doing more calculations before buying a vehicle. Many visitors are asking whether shifting to an electric vehicle would help them avoid fuel-related uncertainties in the future,” said Vidhan Agrawal, a sales executive at an EV dealer here.Service centres and garages are also witnessing increased customer interest. Mechanics say owners of older cars and motorcycles frequently seek advice on how E20 may affect their vehicles and what preventive maintenance measures they should adopt.“Many customers come with specific questions about fuel lines, gaskets and servicing intervals. Most of them want reassurance that their vehicles will continue to run smoothly,” said Ajay Sahoo, a senior mechanic operating a workshop in Bomikhal.Automobile dealers selling newer vehicles believe the transition may accelerate the exchange of old vehicles. Most vehicles manufactured after April 2023 are designed to operate on E20 fuel, making them more attractive to buyers concerned about future compatibility.However, not everyone is benefiting equally from the transition. Owners of vehicles built before 2023 say they feel caught between rising maintenance concerns and the higher cost of replacing their vehicles.Several motorists told TOI they are worried about future repair bills but are not in a position to invest in a new E20-compatible vehicle or an EV. “I have been using the same bike for nearly 10 years. Buying a new one is not easy,” said govt employee Pradeep Dash.High-mileage users, including app-based cab drivers and delivery executives, are also feeling the pinch. Even a marginal increase in operating expenses can significantly affect their monthly earnings, they say.“Our fuel bill is one of our biggest expenses. Any factor that affects mileage or maintenance becomes important for us. At this point, we can’t afford to buy a new bike or car,” said Ankit Jena, a food delivery rider.Petrol pump operators, meanwhile, say customer awareness about fuel blends has risen sharply over the past few months. Many consumers now ask about ethanol content, vehicle compatibility and the availability of conventional petrol before refuelling.“People today are more informed and more cautious. They are evaluating not just the purchase price of a vehicle but also how much it will cost to run and maintain over the next 5 to 10 years,” said Satyabrata Mohanty, an automotive consultant.
