Older Petrol Car Owners Cry Out for E0/E10 Fuel Back

When the Ministry of Petroleum announced the rollout of higher‑ethanol blends—E20 and even the ambitious E30—many welcomed the greener fuel mix. But not everyone was cheering from the sidelines. A fresh survey conducted by AutoInsights has uncovered a surprisingly vocal segment: owners of older, pre‑2015 petrol cars are lobbying hard for the return of low‑ethanol options such as E0 (pure gasoline) or E10 (10% ethanol).

According to the poll, roughly 49 % of respondents said they would prefer the government to bring back E0 or E10. “My car was built before ethanol blends became a thing, and I’m worried about knocking on the engine or seeing my mileage dip,” said Rajesh, a 58‑year‑old Mumbai driver. He’s not alone—many respondents echoed similar concerns about potential power loss, fuel‑system wear, and the dreaded increase in running costs.

It’s not just about nostalgia, either. The study points out that older engines often lack the sophisticated fuel‑system components—like flex‑fuel sensors and hardened fuel lines—found in newer models. Those components can handle higher ethanol concentrations, but the older setups might struggle, leading to corrosion or erratic performance. A handful of mechanics we spoke to confirmed they’ve seen “more frequent clutch‑slipping and rough idling” after the switch to E20 in older cars.

On the flip side, the government argues that higher ethanol blends cut down on oil imports, lower greenhouse‑gas emissions, and boost the agricultural sector. The push for E20 is part of a broader plan to meet the country’s climate targets by 2030. Yet, the survey suggests a policy gap: while the nation aims for greener fuel, a sizable chunk of drivers feels left out.

So, what’s the way forward? Some experts propose a dual‑fuel strategy—maintain E10 at stations frequented by older‑car owners while rolling out E20 elsewhere. Others call for a phased approach, giving owners time to upgrade or retrofit their vehicles. In any case, the survey’s findings have sparked a lively debate in policy circles, automotive forums, and even on social media, where hashtags like #E0Back and #FuelForAll are gaining traction.

Bottom line? If the government wants a smooth transition to higher‑ethanol fuels, it may need to address the genuine concerns of legacy‑car owners—perhaps by offering incentives for vehicle upgrades or ensuring low‑ethanol options stay on the pump for a while longer. Otherwise, a growing sense of dissatisfaction could linger, undermining the very environmental goals the new blends aim to achieve.