Rama Krishna Sangem
It’s official. Fuel blended with 20% ethanol is safe to use, a top executive at leading Indian SUV maker Mahindra & Mahindra said on September 11,Thursday as the country rolls out E20 in a clean energy drive, but he added that vehicles could see reduced mileage and acceleration.
E20 recently became the only choice of fuel at nearly 90,000 fuel stations across India, leading to complaints from motorists concerned about the impact on older vehicles. Mahindra is drafting an advisory on the E20 blended fuel, which should reach customers next week, Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO of its automotive division, said at an industry body conference.
Worried motorists had taken to social media over concerns about confusing statements from carmakers on how E20 will affect their vehicle’s performance and fuel efficiency. Carmakers initially said E20 fuel had not been tested for compatibility with older vehicles, but backtracked later saying it is safe to use.
Nitin Gadkari denies the argument
The Indian government says concerns are unfounded and E20 is the only way forward. Older vehicles may need to replace some rubber parts and gaskets but the government says that is a “simple process”.
Earlier on September 11,Thursday, India’s road transport minister Nitin Gadkari said social media campaigns against E20 were “politically motivated.”
Talking at the SIAM Annual Convention, Gadkari said that E20 fuel is an import substitute, cost effective, pollution free and indigenous. “Rs 22 lakh crore worth fossil fuel is being imported. The Prime Minister dreams of Indian production,” said Gadkari, adding that Rs 22 lakh crore can be added to the Indian economy through the programme.
“We decided to make ethanol from corn. This has profited farmers with Rs 45,000 crore. The rate of per quintal of corn has risen from Rs 1,200 to Rs 2,800,” the minister said.
Gadkari urged automakers to focus on vehicles running on alternative fuel. This, he said, will not only reduce pollution, but also help the industry to grow both domestically and in export markets. ” Transport sector contributes to 40 per cent of air pollution. A KPMG report said that 81 per cent of goods movement happens through roads,” Gadkari said.
However, independent auto experts are of the view that ethanol mixed petrol and diesel have definitely slowed down Indian vehicles – cars and SUVs – by reducing mileage by 2-5 per cent. That means, vehicle owners will have to buy at least 2- 5 per cent more fuel into their tanks. Money wise, this may not be a net benefit, but pollution wise and foreign exchange payments wise, it may be a patriotic sacrifice one has to do for the country.
