E20 Petrol Rollout Races Ahead, Here's How It Will Affect Mumbai’s Roads & Fuel Costs

Mumbai: Mumbai motorists are set to experience a major change at fuel pumps as E20 petrol, a blend of 20 per cent ethanol and 80 per cent petrol, is now available across the city, well ahead of India’s original 2030 target. The move is part of the central government’s aggressive strategy to cut crude oil imports and curb carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from vehicles.

Benefits Of E20 Petrol

India, which had moved from E5 in 2003 to E10 by 2022, has now fast-tracked the E20 rollout by five years. Ethanol, typically made from sugarcane, corn or surplus grain, is considered a low-carbon fuel because the plants used in its production absorb the CO2 emitted when it is burned. This makes it cleaner than conventional petrol while reducing the country’s dependency on fossil fuels.

How Will E20 Help Mumbai?

For Mumbai, a city where vehicular emissions contribute heavily to deteriorating air quality, the shift could help marginally improve pollution levels over time. The city has lakhs of registered vehicles, with traffic congestion ensuring that tailpipe emissions are a persistent environmental challenge. Cleaner-burning E20 could reduce this burden, though the impact will be gradual as older vehicles remain in circulation.

However, not all motorists will benefit equally. Owners of newer, E20-compatible vehicles may find the transition smooth, with some even experiencing marginal performance gains. But those driving older models could face reduced fuel efficiency, higher maintenance costs, and faster wear and tear on certain engine components. Mechanics in Mumbai have already reported queries from customers about potential retrofitting or adjustments needed to handle the new fuel.

Why Is India Pushing Towards E20?

Economically, the E20 push is aimed at cutting India’s massive oil import bill, which exceeds USD 130 billion (over Rs 1.1 lakh crore) annually, reported Autocar India. The move is aimed to boost the rural economy through increased ethanol demand. Maharashtra, with its extensive sugarcane belt, stands to gain from higher ethanol production, potentially benefiting farmers in western and central districts.

Fuel retailers in Mumbai, such as BPCL and IOCL, are reportedly ready for the shift, with most pumps already dispensing E20 alongside regular petrol. While prices are expected to remain close to current petrol rates, motorists could see varying mileage figures, especially during the early adaptation phase.

In the long run, policymakers hope that widespread adoption of E20 will make Mumbai’s roads greener and the nation’s energy security stronger, even if some drivers will have to adjust their budgets to accommodate the change.