INdian government planned to blend 20% ethanol into petrol by 2030, it has already achieved this five years early. Starting April 1, 2025, E20 petrol (petrol with 20% ethanol) will be available across all petrol pumps in India. Now the government is planning the next step: E30 petrol, which will have 30% ethanol.

This sounds like good news for the environment and farmers, but if you own a petrol car, especially an older one, this could affect your mileage, engine health, and even your pocket.

What is E30 Petrol?

E30 is normal petrol mixed with 30% ethanol. Ethanol is a kind of alcohol made from sugarcane and other crops. Mixing ethanol helps reduce pollution and our dependency on imported oil. It also supports farmers and creates jobs.

So yes, it is great for the country. But here is the problem—most cars in India are not made to run on E30.

How Will E30 Petrol Affect Your Car?

Your Mileage Might Drop

Ethanol has less energy than petrol. So, if your car runs on E30 fuel, it might give less mileage. Some experts say you could lose 15–20% of your fuel efficiency compared to regular petrol.

Your Engine Might Not Like It

Current petrol cars in India are built to handle up to E20. Going beyond that can:

• Damage engine parts like seals and gaskets
• Corrode fuel tanks and pipes
• Cause moisture buildup, especially in older vehicles

If you drive a car made before 2020 or one that is not E20-compatible, E30 fuel could lead to big repair bills over time.

Will Car Prices Increase?

Yes, most likely. Car companies will have to make changes in engines and use better materials to handle E30 fuel. This will increase production cost, and that means new petrol cars will become more expensive in the coming years.

But it gets tricky for older cars. Cars that were not built for E20 or E30 fuel might face performance issues, need costly repairs, or may not work properly with the new fuel

The government will have to either allow both E20 and E30 fuels at pumps or offer solutions for older vehicles. Otherwise, millions of car owners could be in trouble.

E30 fuel is a great move for the environment and to reduce oil imports. But jumping to it too quickly can cause serious problems for car owners. The government should roll it out slowly, maybe city by city, and give people time to prepare.

Also, car companies should start making it clear which of their vehicles are E30-compatible. Owners of older vehicles should get options to upgrade or be told clearly what kind of fuel they can safely use.

Final Thoughts

India is moving fast on clean fuel, and that is a good thing. But if you own a petrol car, it is time to stay alert. The new fuel may not work well with your car, may drop your mileage, and might bring in more garage visits.

So if you are planning to buy a petrol car in 2025 or later, make sure to ask if it is E30-ready. And if you are driving an older car, keep an eye on what fuel you are filling next year.