IIT Kanpur E20 fuel study

Researchers at IIT Kanpur released findings on July 14, 2026, stating that their studies found no significant drop in fuel efficiency and no evidence that 20% ethanol-blended petrol (E20) harms engines in existing or older vehicles. The findings follow a clarification from the India — Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas that E20 can reduce mileage by up to 5% in some vehicles but offers benefits like lower lifecycle carbon emissions. Project Scientist Dhruv Raj Karana dismissed social media claims about E20 damaging vehicles as scientifically unfounded, advising motorists to rely on manufacturer manuals and official guidelines. The Engine Research Laboratory, headed by Professor Avinash Kumar, has conducted extensive testing on ethanol-blended fuels, including E85. The ministry defended the Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme, stating E20 is a cleaner, more efficient fuel rolled out after years of testing and consultations with automobile manufacturers.