Amidst ongoing backlash and discontent surrounding E20 fuel, a resurfaced 2021 study conducted by ARAI highlights the impact of E20 on metals and non-metals used in fuel-system components. The study noted that while metals and metal coatings had no issue with E20, some plastic and rubber components did experience some deterioration over a prolonged period of time.
Citing the research study, a NITI Aayog report published in June 2026 stated, “Material compatibility tests revealed that the metals and metal coatings had no issue with E20. Elastomers (NBR/PVC blend and Epichlorohydrin) had inferior performance with E20 compared to neat gasoline. Plastic PA66 had a drop in tensile strength after use with E20. In the vehicle level studies, fuel economy decreased up to 6 percent (depending on the vehicle type) on an average basis.”
For the uninitiated, materials such as NBR/PVC blend, Epichlorohydrin and PA66 are used in fuel-system components such as gaskets, seals, O-rings, pipes and hoses.
The NITI Aayog report also noted, “The test vehicles passed startability and drivability tests at hot and cold conditions with E0 and E20 test fuels. In all the cases, there was no severe malfunction or stall observed at any stage of vehicle operation. No abnormal wear of engine components or deposits or deterioration of engine oils were observed after the on-road mileage accumulation trials.”
Dipan Sur
Dhruv Dhaka
Ajit Dalvi
