Mercedes-Benz India has issued an official clarification regarding E20 fuel compatibility after a social media discussion surrounding the impact of ethanol-blended petrol on vehicle mileage gained significant attention online.
The clarification follows claims made by YouTuber Sourav Joshi, who said in a recent vlog that the fuel efficiency of his Mercedes-Benz petrol SUV declined substantially after he began refuelling with E20 petrol. The video sparked widespread debate among vehicle owners, with many questioning how higher ethanol blends could affect fuel economy.
In a customer advisory dated July 12, Mercedes-Benz India stated that all of its Bharat Stage 6 (BS 6) petrol models are compatible with E20 fuel. The company added that these vehicles have been certified by the relevant regulatory authorities for use with the fuel.
However, the luxury carmaker did not directly address the mileage figures mentioned in the viral video or comment on the condition of the specific vehicle involved. Instead, it reiterated the compatibility of its BS 6 petrol range with E20 petrol.
Mercedes-Benz also emphasised that customer safety, vehicle durability and overall performance remain key priorities for the brand. The company said owners experiencing technical concerns or requiring clarification regarding their vehicles can contact its authorised support network for assistance.
The statement marks Mercedes-Benz India’s first public response since the online discussion gained traction. While the company has reaffirmed E20 compatibility across its BS 6 petrol lineup, it has not offered any explanation linking ethanol-blended fuel to changes in real-world fuel efficiency.
As E20 fuel becomes increasingly available across India under the government’s ethanol blending programme, discussions around its impact on vehicle performance and fuel economy continue among consumers and industry observers.
