Guwahati: Vehicles manufactured under the BS-III emission norms may require replacement of certain rubber components if they regularly use E20 petrol, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari informed the Rajya Sabha.
Replying to a question in the Upper House, Gadkari said some rubber parts and gaskets in BS-III vehicles, manufactured between 2005 and 2016, could be affected by E20 fuel, which contains 20% ethanol blended with 80% petrol. However, he clarified that studies have not found any significant impact on the overall performance of these vehicles.
The minister said there is no requirement to modify the engines of BS-III vehicles to use E20 petrol, despite the possibility that a few rubber components may need replacement over time.
India has been promoting higher ethanol blending in petrol as part of its strategy to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, lower carbon emissions and support domestic biofuel production. The rollout of E20 fuel is a key component of the Centre’s clean energy and transport policy.
Gadkari’s clarification comes amid concerns among owners of older vehicles about the compatibility of E20 fuel with existing engines and vehicle parts. According to the minister, available studies indicate that while certain rubber parts may experience wear, the use of E20 petrol does not adversely affect the overall functioning of BS-III vehicles.