BS-III vehicle rubber parts may require replacement when operated with E20 fuel: Centre

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said studies confirmed that even legacy vehicles did not exhibit any significant variations in performance, nor do they show abnormal wear-and-tear when operated with E20 fuel. | Photo Credit: PTI Some rubber parts and gaskets in BS-III vehicles may need replacement when using E20 fuel, according to a study commissioned by the Centre, the Union government informed Parliament on Tuesday (July 28, 2026).“In case of testing done on BS-III vehicles introduced from 1st April, 2005 and manufactured prior to 2016, some rubber parts and gaskets may require replacement, which can be easily managed during routine servicing regime of the vehicle,” Union Road Minister Nitin Gadkari informed Rajya Sabha about the findings of a study carried out by Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP) Dehradun, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). The findings of the study have not been made public.Minister Gadkari was responding to a question from CPI MP A.A. Rahim on the impact of E20 on vehicle performance, fuel efficiency, engine durability and maintenance costs.Other than BS-III vehicles, the Minister said that the study showed that there was no need to modify car and two-wheeler engines.“These studies confirmed that even legacy vehicles did not exhibit any significant variations in performance, nor do they show abnormal wear-and-tear when operated with E20 fuel,” Minister Gadkari added.The study also found no issues related to drivability, startability, metal compatibility or plastic compatibility, the Minister said, even as there are widespread anecdotal complaints of vehicles misfiring or breaking down, with some users attributing the problems to E20 fuel or contaminated E20. Also read | Petrol pump owners claim ethanol’s moisture-absorbing nature is contaminating fuelOn concerns about fuel efficiency the Minister said that vehicle mileage was influenced by “a host of factors beyond just fuel type”. These included driving habits, maintenance practices such as oil changes and air filter cleanliness, tyre pressure and alignment, and even air conditioning load, he said. Published - July 29, 2026 03:58 pm IST