India, July 31 -- Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday clarified that ethanol blended petrol (E20) can reduce fuel economy by two to six per cent depending on the vehicle category and vintage.

In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Gadkari said E20 fuel provides better acceleration, improved ride quality and approximately 30 per cent lower carbon emissions compared to E10 fuel. Gadkari said a study to evaluate the effect of E20 on BS-III, BS-IV and BS-VI E10 (Petrol) two-wheelers and four-wheelers was carried out jointly by ARAI, SIAM and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL).

"The fuel efficiency of vehicles may be reduced by 2 to 6 per cent depending on the vehicle category and vintage. The tests for engine durabil...