Guwahati, Sept 5 (V7N) – Following the Supreme Court of India’s recent dismissal of a public interest litigation challenging the standardization of 20% ethanol blending in petrol (E20) nationwide, an Assam-based engineers’ forum has offered cautious support for the move. While welcoming the policy as an environmentally beneficial step, the All Assam Engineer’s Association (AAEA) warned that older vehicles—designed for zero to five percent ethanol—may face complications under the current standard.

E20 fuel is now widely available across the country and is generally safe for vehicles manufactured from 2022 onward. However, in a statement, the AAEA noted that most older vehicles were not built to handle such a high ethanol blend, which could lead to mechanical issues if precautions are not taken.

Ethanol (CH₃CH₂OH), a renewable biofuel introduced as an alternative to conventional hydrocarbons, is known for its hygroscopic nature—meaning it absorbs moisture from the air even after being blended with petrol. In regions with high humidity and rainfall, such as Assam, moisture can enter fuel tanks through loosely sealed caps or condensation, forming a layer of water at the bottom. This can lead to ignition issues, engine jerks, or poor performance, particularly if the vehicle is left unused for extended periods.

Experts recommend a few basic precautions: keeping the fuel tank relatively full to minimize air space, starting the engine regularly, and avoiding long-term storage of E20—especially during monsoon months. Regular and careful servicing of the fuel system is also advised.

“We support the government’s flex-fuel policy, which aims to reduce dependence on imported crude oil and cut greenhouse gas emissions. Assam alone hosts over 15 ethanol projects, including the Numaligarh Refinery Limited’s bamboo-based biorefinery. This initiative has also brought direct financial benefits to farmers by eliminating middlemen,” said AAEA president Er Kailash Sarma, working president Er Nava J. Thakuria, and secretary Er Inamul Hai in a joint statement.

However, the association stressed the need for targeted public awareness campaigns in the northeast, where climatic conditions make ethanol handling more challenging. They also called for a comprehensive study to assess how existing vehicles—particularly older models—respond to the E20 blend over time, especially as the government explores the possibility of increasing the ethanol percentage in future fuel standards.

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