E20 Fuel Rollout: SGCCI Seeks Govt Action to Protect Older Engines

Surat, Gujarat — The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI), in collaboration with petrol pump owners across the region, has formally written to the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas urging the immediate issuance of public guidelines regarding the compatibility of E20 fuel with BS4 and BS6 vehicles. The chamber’s move comes amid growing concerns that the transition to 20% ethanol-blended petrol could damage older vehicle engines and reduce fuel efficiency without proper technical support and public awareness.

As India moves ahead with its target to fully adopt E20 fuel by 2025, many vehicle owners are already reporting engine irregularities, reduced mileage, and suspected fuel system damage. The SGCCI letter highlights that ethanol’s chemical properties, particularly its water absorption and corrosiveness, pose serious risks to rubber seals, injectors, and metal fuel tanks found in many BS4 and even some BS6 vehicles.

“Thousands of vehicle owners are confused and anxious. We cannot afford a nationwide rollout without safeguards,” said Vijay Mewavala, SGCCI Presiden. “We urge the petroleum ministry to release clear, science-backed guidelines and solutions — not just to prevent mechanical failures, but also to avoid public backlash.”

Surat Petrol pump owners association president, Bachu Desai, who supported the representation, added, “We are already witnessing complaints about engine knocking, injector clogging, and mileage drop. The government must involve oil companies, OEMs, and service centers to provide vehicle testing and upgrade support.”

The chamber has also recommended practical solutions such as using ethanol-resistant materials like PTFE or Viton for fuel lines, reprogramming ECUs to optimize combustion, and launching a nationwide awareness campaign. SGCCI also urged the ministry to promote ethanol-compatible fuel additives and mandate regular system checks at authorized service centers.

“We are not against ethanol or green energy. But millions rely on BS4/BS6 vehicles for livelihood. They need assurance and support,” said Linesh Shah of SGCCI.

SGCCI emphasized that timely government action would ensure a smoother E20 transition, protect vehicle owners from costly repairs, and build public trust in India’s shift toward cleaner energy. The ball is now in the ministry’s court to address these pressing concerns before mass rollout leads to mechanical and economic setbacks.