Ruvina Khan
Vasco
The rollout of 20 per cent ethanol-blended petrol (E20) at fuel stations across Goa has triggered debate over its impact on vehicles, with South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes questioning the Centre’s ethanol-blending policy, while petrol dealers said they
have not received any significant complaints linked to the fuel.
Speaking to ‘The Navhind Times’, Fernandes said the government has increased ethanol blending from 10 per cent to 20 per cent without placing sufficient scientific research in the public domain.
“The government says ethanol is an acceptable substitute for petrol, but where is the research data to support this claim? Such research should be certified by agencies that design and manufacture these engines, especially as many engines are imported or produced in India under licence,”
he said.
Fernandes said vehicles designed only for petrol and diesel could be affected if the blended fuel is incompatible with their engines.
He also raised concerns over insurance claims in cases of engine damage.
Meanwhile, Goa Petrol Dealers Association president Narahar Thakur said ethanol-blended petrol has been available for the past two years with 10 per cent ethanol, and the only recent change is the increase to 20 per cent. “There are around 150 petrol pumps under our association and we have not received major complaints of vehicle breakdowns because of ethanol-blended petrol,” he said.
Thakur said one complaint received recently was linked to water seepage at a fuel station rather than the ethanol blend itself.
“Ethanol is very harmful when mixed with water. Every petrol pump must ensure there is absolutely no water mixing with petrol, especially now that it contains 20 per cent ethanol,” he said.
He said vehicle manufacturers were best placed
to comment on the long-term effects of E20 fuel and added that the government was unlikely to have taken such a decision without consultation.
Chairman of the Goa State Federation of Automobile Dealers’ Associations of India (FADA), Prashant Joshi, said motorists should follow their vehicle manufacturer’s fuel recommendations, service their vehicles regularly and avoid misinformation circulating on social media.
“If your vehicle is E20-compatible, you can continue using E20 fuel with confidence,” he said.
