KANPUR: Amid an ongoing debate over the nationwide introduction of E20 petrol, IIT Kanpur researchers on Tuesday claimed that extensive testing had found no significant impact on fuel efficiency and no evidence of engine damage, even in older vehicles.The findings come days after the Oil ministry acknowledged that E20 could reduce mileage by up to 5 per cent in some vehicles, while maintaining that the blend offers environmental benefits, including lower carbon emissions over its lifecycle.Dhruv Raj Karana, project scientist at the Engine Research Laboratory in IIT Kanpur’s department of mechanical engineering, said research conducted at the institute showed that any drop in fuel efficiency with E20 was below 5 per cent.Speaking to PTI, Karana said the variation in mileage could stem from factors other than the fuel itself and noted that similar differences can be observed even when repeated tests are carried out using pure petrol.He added that extensive testing carried out by the institute found no evidence of engine damage, corrosion or any other technical issues linked to the use of E20 fuel.Karana also dismissed claims circulating on social media about E20 harming vehicles, calling them “scientifically unfounded”.He advised motorists to refer to their vehicle manufacturers’ manuals and guidelines issued by the ministry of petroleum and natural gas instead of relying on unverified online information.According to Karana, IIT Kanpur’s Engine Research Laboratory, headed by Prof Avinash Kumar Agarwal, has been conducting extensive studies on ethanol-blended fuels.The team has also tested E85 fuel, which contains 85% ethanol. However, such higher ethanol blends require specially designed engines and compatible fuel systems, he said.The researchers further maintained that factors such as driving patterns, road conditions and vehicle maintenance play a greater role in determining mileage than the use of E20 fuel.In a recent question-and-answer document issued to address criticism of the Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme, the ministry said E20 is a cleaner and more efficient fuel than E10 or conventional petrol and that its rollout followed years of scientific testing, consultations with automobile manufacturers and expansion in domestic ethanol production.(With agency inputs)
