The incident involved a Ferrari, as shared on X (Twitter) by user and influencer Rattan Dhillon. The photo showed the luxury car, covered with a red cover, parked on the side of the road. Dhillon stated the Ferrari belonged to a friend and had recently been refueled with E20 petrol, after which it failed to start. Upon inspection at a service center, technicians attributed the problem to the ethanol-blended fuel, although details of the specific damage were not disclosed.

In his post, Dhillon expressed frustration, highlighting the significant costs associated with owning the car, including road tax, GST, and fuel tax, only to face such a situation. He further stated that supercars and high-end vehicles are disproportionately affected by E20 fuel, but this issue is rarely openly discussed. The phenomenon of phase separation, where ethanol absorbs moisture from the air, can lead to water separating from the petrol if the vehicle remains stationary for a few days, causing engine problems and preventing the car from starting. Dhillon also tagged Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari in his post, expressing his displeasure.

Auto experts concur that the issue is valid. Vehicles not designed for E20 fuel are particularly vulnerable. Corrosion can occur in the fuel tank, fuel lines, and pump, leading to starting problems and other technical failures. A recent test by a bike user in Bangalore revealed that only HP Power and Indian Oil XP100 fuels did not contain ethanol.

The Ferrari incident underscores the growing concern among luxury and supercar owners regarding E20 petrol. While the government promotes ethanol-blended fuel for environmental benefits and import reduction, owners of expensive vehicles are facing challenges. The response from Gadkari and the government remains to be seen.

Previous attempts to mix ethanol with diesel were unsuccessful. Therefore, the government is now experimenting with isobutanol. This process is currently in the experimental phase, as confirmed by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, in a recent statement.

Previous attempts to blend ethanol with diesel were unsuccessful. Consequently, the government is now experimenting with isobutanol, which is produced from ethanol, to blend with diesel. This process is currently in an experimental phase, as confirmed by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, in a recent announcement.

The ethanol-mixed petrol program was initiated in 2001 and has since gained momentum. The government’s objective is to reduce crude oil imports and increase farmers’ income. According to the statement, this initiative has led to a reduction of 736 lakh metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, which is equivalent to planting 300 million trees.

**Significant Benefits Over 11 Years**

Since the program expanded over the last 11 years, India has saved approximately ₹1.44 lakh crore in foreign exchange. 245 lakh metric tons of crude oil have been replaced with ethanol. This program has transformed farmers from “food providers” to “energy providers,” as the money previously spent on crude oil imports is now flowing into the rural economy.

**Addressing Concerns About Mileage**

The statement also addressed concerns regarding the E20 fuel blend. It clarified that real-world vehicle mileage primarily depends on driving habits, maintenance, the age of the vehicle, and tire condition, rather than the ethanol content. Testing on older vehicles showed only a slight decrease in mileage.

**Advantages of E20**

Ethanol has an octane rating of 108.5, compared to petrol’s 84.4, which allows modern high-compression engines to run more smoothly, especially in city driving conditions. The addition of ethanol has improved the quality of petrol from RON 88 to RON 95 under BS-VI standards, preventing knocking and improving performance.

**Dispelling Rumors**

The statement also dismissed recent social media rumors claiming that ethanol-mixed petrol causes water to enter fuel tanks or affects insurance coverage. The All India Petroleum Dealers Association stated that they have received no customer complaints regarding ethanol blending across the country. Government officials and insurance companies have also confirmed that insurance for vehicles using ethanol petrol will remain fully valid, with no impact on warranties or coverage.

Motorcycle owners have voiced anxieties about using E20 petrol. Bajaj has offered a solution: the use of fuel cleaner is the best way to use E20 petrol in older BS3 vehicles. According to the company, adding 40ml of fuel cleaner to a full tank of petrol every 1000 kilometers can protect BS3 motorcycles. This advice was given at an upcoming motorcycle launch event.