Archive · 7 Aug 2026
BJP Tells Motorists E20 Petrol's Acceleration Beats Mileage Worries
Cars need fuel to run, and India has started using a new kind of petrol called E20, which contains some ethanol, a fuel made from plants.
Some drivers say this petrol makes their cars travel fewer kilometers with the same amount of fuel, which is called a drop in mileage.
A big political group in India called the BJP told drivers not to worry too much about mileage.
They say E20 petrol helps cars speed up faster and is better for the air we breathe.
A car shop manager in Mysuru said the new fuel could damage some pipes in cars, but no one has fully studied its long-term effects yet.
Some drivers are upset and want the government to let people choose between E20 petrol and regular petrol.
One driver said the government shouldn't force everyone to use E20 petrol.
Another driver asked the Karnataka government to pass a rule against forced E20 petrol, like the state of Punjab did.
Right now, people are still deciding whether E20 petrol is good or bad for cars and drivers.
The BJP's Karnataka unit urged motorists to focus on E20 petrol's benefits, such as better acceleration, rather than mileage concerns.
The BJP said motorists may see a drop in mileage of about 5 percent per litre but gain better pick-up, more octane content, and lower carbon emissions.
A multi-car showroom manager in Mysuru said long-term damage to four-wheelers is yet to be researched and fuel pipeline replacements may be needed.
A Mysuru motorist backed activist Tehseen Poonawalla's demand that the Union Government give consumers a choice between E20 petrol and pure petrol.
Another motorist asked the Karnataka government to pass a resolution against forced E20 petrol, as done in Punjab.
- Who
- The Bharatiya Janata Party's Karnataka unit, motorists in Mysuru and Bengaluru, car dealers, and a multi-car showroom manager
- What
- BJP urged motorists to weigh E20 petrol's benefits such as better acceleration despite an acknowledged mileage drop, while some motorists demand consumer choice between E20 and pure petrol
- When
- Not specified in the articles
- Where
- Karnataka, India (Bengaluru and Mysuru); Punjab referenced as a precedent
- Why
- Because E20 petrol use is debated over mileage loss and possible vehicle damage, while proponents cite acceleration, octane, and lower emissions benefits
Motorists and Consumer Advocates
BJP and Pro-E20 Backers
Mileage vs. Acceleration
Motorists and Consumer Advocates
A drop in mileage of about 5 percent matters, especially to cab drivers and daily users.
BJP and Pro-E20 Backers
Better acceleration, pick-up, higher octane content, and lower emissions outweigh the mileage loss.
Consumer Choice
Motorists and Consumer Advocates
The Union Government should give consumers a choice between E20 petrol and pure petrol instead of imposing it unilaterally.
BJP and Pro-E20 Backers
E20 petrol is promoted as beneficial to motorists and the environment, supporting its wider use.
Vehicle Damage Risks
Motorists and Consumer Advocates
Fuel pipeline damage and possible corrosion from ethanol content are uncertain, and long-term effects on vehicles are unstudied.
BJP and Pro-E20 Backers
No clear problems such as corrosion have been confirmed yet, and the new fuel's benefits are being emphasized.
- Fuel type
- E20 petrol (ethanol-20 blended)
- Stated mileage impact
- About 5 percent drop per litre (per BJP)
- Claimed benefits
- Better pick-up and acceleration, higher octane content, lower carbon emissions
- Region
- Karnataka, India (Bengaluru and Mysuru)
- Body promoting E20
- BJP Karnataka unit
- Activist demanding choice
- Tehseen Poonawalla
- Precedent
- Punjab resolution against forced E20 petrol
- Market note
- Pre-owned car buyers of vehicles above Rs 10 lakh check E20 compliance