Car Breakdowns and Petrol Impact

Recent reports have highlighted instances of car breakdowns on and around the Pune highway, often linked to the sale of adulterated fuel. In several cases, motorists have reported their vehicles stalling or experiencing engine trouble shortly after filling up at a specific petrol pump. Investigations have revealed that the fuel was mixed with a significant amount of water, with one incident reporting a mixture of up to 80% water. These issues are a result of either intentional fuel adulteration by organized gangs or, in some cases, water seeping into underground fuel tanks, especially during the monsoon season, due to poor maintenance.

 

The problem of fuel adulteration is not new to the region. Authorities, including the CID, have formed special cells to tackle this issue, as inter-state and inter-city gangs are often involved. The incidents underscore the risks consumers face from corrupt practices at fuel stations.

 

The Subject of Petrol Mixed with Ethanol

 

India is progressively increasing the percentage of ethanol blended with petrol as part of a national program aimed at reducing crude oil imports and carbon emissions. While this initiative has environmental and economic benefits, the increasing blend, particularly the E20 fuel (20% ethanol, 80% petrol), has raised concerns for vehicle owners.

 

How Ethanol Affects Your Vehicle

 

Ethanol blended petrol can be detrimental to vehicles, especially older models that are not designed to be "E20-compliant." The primary issues stem from ethanol's chemical properties:

 

Hygroscopic Nature: Ethanol is "hygroscopic," meaning it readily absorbs moisture from the atmosphere. This can lead to water contamination in the fuel tank, causing rust and corrosion in older steel tanks and fuel lines. The water and ethanol can also separate from the petrol and settle at the bottom of the tank, leading to incomplete combustion, misfires, and stalling.

 

Corrosive Properties: Ethanol can be corrosive to certain metals and rubber or plastic compounds used in older vehicles' fuel systems. This includes parts like carburetor floats, fuel lines, and gaskets. Over time, these components can swell, crack, or degrade, leading to fuel leaks and inconsistent fuel delivery.

 

Lower Energy Density: Ethanol contains less energy per unit volume than petrol. This means your engine has to burn more fuel to generate the same amount of power, leading to a noticeable decrease in mileage. For older, non-compliant vehicles, this can result in a 3-6% drop in fuel efficiency.

 

Cold Start Issues: Ethanol has a higher heat of vaporization, which can make it harder for carbureted engines to start in cold weather. This can lead to longer cranking times and a need for frequent use of the choke.

 

Government and Industry Response

 

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has stated that concerns about the negative impact of E20 fuel are "largely unfounded," citing studies that show no significant performance problems in legacy vehicles. They acknowledge a minor drop in fuel efficiency and suggest that replacing certain rubber parts might be necessary for some older vehicles after about 20,000 to 30,000 km.

 

However, many vehicle owners and some experts disagree. Reports from mechanics and motorists indicate issues like rough idling, reduced mileage, and accelerated wear on components. While most new cars sold in India after April 2023 are E20-compliant, the vast majority of vehicles on the road are not. The lack of a choice for consumers at the pump to opt for an E10 or non-blended fuel further compounds the problem for owners of older vehicles.

 

In summary, while fuel adulteration with substances like water is a direct and immediate cause of vehicle breakdowns, the long-term use of ethanol-blended petrol, particularly in non-compliant vehicles, poses a different set of challenges related to material degradation, reduced efficiency, and potential engine issues.

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