Mercedes-Benz India has issued a clarification affirming that all its Bharat Stage VI (BS VI) petrol vehicles are fully compatible with E20 fuel, days after popular YouTuber Sourav Joshi alleged that ethanol-blended petrol had drastically reduced the mileage of his luxury SUV.
In a customer advisory shared on social media, the German automaker said all Mercedes-Benz petrol BS VI models are “materially compatible with E20 fuel” and have been certified by the relevant authorities. The company reiterated that customer safety, vehicle reliability and performance remain its top priorities and added that it is ready to assist customers with any technical concerns.
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The clarification follows a viral video by Joshi, India’s most-followed daily vlogger, in which he claimed that the fuel efficiency of his Mercedes-Benz SUV had dropped sharply within two days. According to him, the vehicle’s mileage fell from around 17 kmpl to 9 kmpl and eventually to just 5 kmpl.
Joshi blamed the decline on ethanol-blended petrol, saying a full tank that previously offered a driving range of nearly 800 kilometres now showed only about 480 kilometres after refuelling. He also expressed concern that continued use of the fuel could potentially harm the vehicle’s engine, adding that he felt anxious every time he had to refill the tank.
Mercedes-Benz did not mention Joshi by name in its statement but emphasised that its BS VI petrol models comply with E20 fuel standards and remain suitable for use with the ethanol blend.
E20 fuel, comprising 20 per cent ethanol and 80 per cent petrol, has been promoted by the Indian government to reduce dependence on imported crude oil and support domestic ethanol production. While some vehicle owners have raised concerns over possible mileage loss and engine compatibility, the government has maintained that the programme has benefited farmers, strengthened the sugar economy and generated significant foreign exchange savings.
