Is E20 Petrol Safe for Your Car? Here's What the ARAI Report Says
India's nationwide rollout of E20 petrol has come under renewed scrutiny after reports suggested that an unpublished study by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) found that the higher ethanol blend could damage certain rubber fuel-system components in vehicles designed for E10 fuel. The findings have reignited concerns among vehicle owners, particularly those driving older petrol vehicles that were not originally engineered for E20 compatibility.
E20 petrol contains 20% ethanol blended with petrol, compared to E10 fuel, which contains 10% ethanol. The Indian government has been promoting ethanol-blended fuel as part of its strategy to reduce crude oil imports, lower carbon emissions, and support domestic ethanol production. India achieved nationwide availability of E20 petrol in April 2025, ahead of its original target.
According to the ARAI study, prolonged use of E20 petrol in vehicles designed for E10 fuel may lead to deterioration of rubber components such as fuel hoses, seals, gaskets, and O-rings. The report reportedly states that these parts "may need replacement" after extended exposure to the higher ethanol content. However, the study found no adverse impact on metallic fuel-system components, and emissions from E10-compatible vehicles running on E20 remained within prescribed regulatory limits.
E20 petrol contains 20% ethanol blended with petrol, compared to E10 fuel, which contains 10% ethanol. The Indian government has been promoting ethanol-blended fuel as part of its strategy to reduce crude oil imports, lower carbon emissions, and support domestic ethanol production. India achieved nationwide availability of E20 petrol in April 2025, ahead of its original target.
According to the ARAI study, prolonged use of E20 petrol in vehicles designed for E10 fuel may lead to deterioration of rubber components such as fuel hoses, seals, gaskets, and O-rings. The report reportedly states that these parts "may need replacement" after extended exposure to the higher ethanol content. However, the study found no adverse impact on metallic fuel-system components, and emissions from E10-compatible vehicles running on E20 remained within prescribed regulatory limits.
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