The debate over E20 petrol, a fuel blend containing 20% ethanol, continues to intensify, with a recent incident involving a high-value Ferrari drawing significant attention. Vehicle owners across the nation have reported diminished fuel efficiency and engine complications attributed to the fuel. This specific case, involving a stranded Ferrari, quickly spread across social media platforms.
The Ferrari’s predicament was brought to light by social media user and influencer Rattan Dhillon, who shared an image of the red car, draped in a cover, parked on the roadside. Dhillon explained that the car belonged to a friend and had been filled with E20 petrol, after which it would not start. When taken to a service center, technicians identified the ethanol-blended fuel as the cause of the problem, though specific details about the damage were not provided.
Dhillon’s post expressed the owner’s frustration, given the substantial investment in the car, including road tax, GST, and fuel expenses. He noted that while E20 fuel seems to cause issues in premium cars, this is not often discussed. The phenomenon of phase separation, where ethanol absorbs moisture, resulting in water separation from petrol and its adverse impact on the engine, was cited as a reason. The post tagged Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, reflecting the user’s dissatisfaction.
Automotive experts acknowledge the validity of the issue, noting that vehicles not designed for E20 fuel are more susceptible to problems. These problems can lead to rust and technical issues. Tests have revealed that only certain fuels do not contain ethanol. The Ferrari incident has brought concerns to the forefront as the government promotes E20 fuel. The government’s response will be important to see.