Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said ordinary car owners cannot accurately measure fuel mileage on their own [1].

The statement follows growing public concern over the nationwide rollout of E20 ethanol-blended petrol, which some motorists claim reduces vehicle efficiency. Because ethanol is central to India's goal of fuel self-reliance, any perceived drop in performance could impact public adoption of the green alternative.

Gadkari said motorists should rely on tests conducted by authorized dealers rather than personal estimates [1]. He also pushed back against the idea that blended fuels are lower in quality, saying it is inaccurate to say that ethanol is an inferior fuel [2].

The debate has intensified after some users reported significant performance losses. Vlogger Sourav Joshi said he observed a drastic drop in mileage after switching to E20 [3]. While some reports suggest ethanol delivers nearly 30% lower mileage, the government has acknowledged a more modest possible drop in fuel economy of three to five percent [4].

Government officials continue to promote ethanol as a beneficial alternative to traditional petrol. The transition to E20 is part of a broader strategy to reduce dependence on foreign oil imports and lower carbon emissions, a move Gadkari said is essential for the country's energy security [2].

Despite these assurances, the discrepancy between official figures and user experiences remains a point of contention. Gadkari's insistence on professional testing aims to standardize the data and counteract anecdotal reports of inefficiency [1].

“"Average car owner can't check mileage on their own."”

The tension between government data and consumer experience highlights the challenge of transitioning to sustainable fuels. By dismissing individual mileage checks, the ministry is attempting to control the narrative around E20 efficiency to prevent a public backlash that could derail India's energy independence goals.