Oil Ministry Debunks Viral Claims That E20 Petrol Damages Engines, Voids Insurance

The central government has firmly rejected a wave of viral claims circulating on social media about ethanol-blended E20 petrol. The Petroleum Ministry issued a clarification after posts alleged that using E20 damages engines, causes vehicles to stall mid-drive, and voids insurance policies. The ministry stated clearly that since E20 fuel was introduced, there have been no recorded instances of widespread engine failure or major vehicle performance issues linked to the ethanol blend anywhere in the country. It added that it continues to monitor the program closely alongside oil marketing companies, vehicle manufacturers, and testing agencies.

Why E20 Exists In The First Place
India launched its ethanol blending program in 2003, with the goal of cutting crude oil imports, strengthening energy security, and reducing pollution. E20 petrol, which carries a 20% ethanol blend, was rolled out nationwide in 2023.

The Ants-In-The-Fuel-Tank Claim
One viral video showed ants near a vehicle’s fuel tank, with claims suggesting sugarcane juice was being mixed directly into petrol. Bharat Petroleum (BPCL) and the Oil Ministry dismissed this outright.
While ethanol is indeed produced from sources like sugarcane juice, corn, and broken rice, the ministry explained that scientific processes, fermentation and distillation, strip out all sugar content before the ethanol reaches its final fuel-grade form. It added that fuel-grade ethanol actually contains insect-repelling chemicals, making it highly unlikely to attract ants in the first place.

What This Means For Your Insurance
The ministry also addressed claims that using E20 fuel could void a vehicle’s insurance coverage. It said this clarification came only after consulting directly with insurance companies, and confirmed that using E20 has no effect whatsoever on the validity of existing insurance policies.