E20 fuel won't require vehicle retrofitting, says Nitin Gadkari
What's the story
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has clarified that the new E20 fuel does not require any retrofitting or phasing out of non-compliant vehicles. The clarification came in response to a question raised by TMC MP Jagadish Chandra Barma Basunia in Lok Sabha. The minister's statement is based on recent studies conducted by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), and the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).
Safety assurance
Gadkari reassures safety of E20 fuel
Gadkari assured that "there would be no requirement for a phase out or retrofit" of vehicles that may not fully comply with E20 standards. He added that normal wear and tear arising from the use of E20 fuel can be "managed during the routine servicing regime of the vehicle." This is to address public concerns and provide confidence to vehicle owners as India moves toward wider adoption of ethanol-blended fuels.
Manufacturer responsibility
Vehicle manufacturers to indicate ethanol blend compatibility
Basunia also questioned if the government had prescribed clear norms mandating vehicle manufacturers to label or certify models as E10 or E20 fuel compatible. Responding to this, Gadkari said that it is the responsibility of the vehicle manufacturers to indicate the ethanol blend compatibility on their vehicles through a "clearly visible sticker." This would ensure consumers are informed about what fuel they can use for their vehicles.
Compliance clarification
Gadkari addresses E20 compliance for vehicles sold before April 2023
Gadkari clarified that vehicles sold before April 1, 2023, were compliant with E10 fuel standards. Those sold after this date are "E20 material compliant." He also assured that safety standards for E20 are well established through Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specifications and Automotive Industry Standards (AIS). Parameters such as "driveability, startability, metal compatibility and plastic compatibility" show no issues with the new fuel blend.