In an interview with businessline, Director-General Reji Mathai explains why laboratory findings differ from consumer experience, what the data shows for older vehicles and how India will evaluate future ethanol blends.
The government has repeatedly cited ARAI’s studies to defend E20. Has the agency become the government’s scientific shield?
I would not describe this as a controversy. It is a technical issue that requires scientific understanding. The government is a much bigger institution than ARAI and does not require a shield. Our responsibility is to generate evidence through testing, analyse the results and submit recommendations. Policy decisions are taken by the government after consulting stakeholders. Our role remains that of an independent technical organisation.
ARAI says E20 reduces fuel efficiency by 3-6%, consumer surveys suggest around 10%, while social media claims losses of up to 30%. Why such a wide gap?
Our findings are based on globally accepted certification procedures carried out under controlled conditions. Under normal operating conditions, the reduction in fuel efficiency is typically 3-6%.
Everyday mileage varies with traffic, driving style, road conditions and vehicle maintenance. Differences observed in real-world use cannot automatically be attributed to E20 fuel.
These findings have also been reviewed by vehicle manufacturers. Since OEMs are the customer-facing organisations and know their products best, they should communicate the science more actively and address consumer concerns directly.
Many owners of pre-2023 vehicles are worried about mileage and long-term durability. What does ARAI’s data show?
We carried out extensive studies on older vehicles with automobile manufacturers because OEMs understand their products best. Vehicles were tested using the certification methodology applicable to their generation so comparisons remained like-for-like.
The work included accelerated durability tests, long-duration engine evaluations, field trials on six- to ten-year-old vehicles and material compatibility studies with oil marketing companies and OEMs.
The data is still evolving because older vehicles were certified under different procedures. Some may show a higher impact than the 2-6% seen under current certification conditions, but that has not been conclusively quantified.
Some experts say older vehicles may eventually require retrofits if India moves to higher ethanol blends. Is ARAI studying that?
Any retrofit would require technical studies, safety validation and government approval. At present, there is no authorised retrofit programme for ethanol-compatible systems.
Any future transition must preserve BS6 emission standards. E20 underwent extensive emissions, durability and material compatibility testing before it was recommended. The same scientific rigour will apply before any recommendation on E25 or higher blends.
Should consumers have been told more clearly that E20 could reduce fuel efficiency by 2-6%?
The information was disclosed to the relevant stakeholders. The biggest lesson from the E20 rollout is that technical information must be communicated more effectively. Social media has amplified misconceptions very quickly. That is why I say this is more a communication issue than a technology issue.
There were reports that the government described E20 as an “experiment” before the Supreme Court. Did that add to the confusion?
My understanding is that the matter has been clarified. There appears to have been confusion between the existing E20 programme and studies on E25. These are separate exercises, but the misunderstanding unfortunately added to public confusion.
The government has already begun discussions on E25, while there is also talk of E85 and E100. How should consumers view the next phase?
E20 has already been studied, validated and implemented. E25 is only at the technical evaluation stage and will undergo the same durability, emissions and material compatibility studies before any recommendation is made.
E85 and E100 represent a completely different technology pathway. They require dedicated flex-fuel vehicles specifically designed and calibrated for high ethanol blends.
Any move beyond E20 will depend on technical evidence, stakeholder consultations and a government policy decision.
Consumers have also raised concerns about fuel quality. How is E20 quality monitored?
Fuel quality is governed by Bureau of Indian Standards specifications. Oil marketing companies are responsible for ensuring fuel supplied at retail outlets meets those standards. ARAI contributes to developing and validating the specifications, but fuel quality enforcement is not our responsibility.
Finally, what message would you like to give motorists who remain concerned about E20?
Consumers should rely on scientific evidence rather than misinformation. If anyone experiences a genuine issue, they should approach an authorised dealer so the vehicle can be properly examined and investigated by the manufacturer.
The E20 programme followed years of technical studies involving ARAI, automobile manufacturers, oil marketing companies and government agencies. As India evaluates future ethanol blends, we must ensure the science is communicated as clearly as the technology itself.
