E20 Petrol Controversy: Sourav Joshi Admits Engine Problem Led to Mercedes Mileage Drop

YouTuber Sourav Joshi has clarified his earlier claims linking E20 petrol to a sharp drop in the mileage of his Mercedes-Benz SUV. The clarification came after Mercedes-Benz India issued an official advisory stating that all its BS VI petrol vehicles are fully compatible with E20 fuel.

Sourav Joshi Issues Clarification:

In a statement shared on Monday, Joshi revealed that the actual reason behind the poor mileage was an engine-related issue and not the ethanol-blended fuel.

“We visited the Mercedes service centre, and they found that there was an issue with the engine, which was causing the low mileage. I apologise for the misunderstanding regarding E20 petrol,” Joshi said.

The popular vlogger further clarified that he never intended to spread misinformation or offend anyone through his comments. He also mentioned that he has edited the concerned portion from his video.

“I have trimmed that part accordingly,” he added.

However, clips from the original video continue to circulate widely across social media platforms.

What Sparked the Controversy:

The controversy began when Joshi uploaded a vlog claiming that the mileage of his Mercedes-Benz SUV had dropped drastically within two days. According to him, the vehicle's mileage fell from 17 kmpl to just 5 kmpl.

“Yesterday I showed you our car's mileage had gone from 17 straight down to 9,” Joshi told viewers. “And do you know what it has become today? Today it has reached five... look at this, it's showing a mileage of five.”

Photo Credit: Instagram

He attributed the issue to ethanol-blended petrol and expressed concerns about the long-term impact on his vehicle's engine.

“This is what has happened because of ethanol,” he had said, adding that the vehicle's estimated driving range had dropped significantly after refuelling.

“I don't know when this car will break down... Nowadays, I'm so scared of refilling petrol,” Joshi remarked in the video.

Mercedes-Benz Responds:

Following the viral video, Mercedes-Benz India released a customer advisory addressing concerns around E20 fuel compatibility.

“At Mercedes-Benz, customer safety, vehicle reliability and performance are of paramount importance to us. All Mercedes-Benz petrol BS VI vehicles are materially compatible with E20 fuel and certified accordingly by relevant authorities,” the company said.

The automaker also reiterated its commitment to assisting customers with technical concerns and supporting sustainable mobility initiatives.

The Larger E20 Fuel Debate:

E20 fuel, a blend of 20 per cent ethanol and 80 per cent petrol, has been at the centre of discussions over mileage and engine compatibility. While some vehicle owners have voiced concerns, the government recently defended the programme, stating that ethanol blending has strengthened the sugar economy, boosted farmers' incomes and helped India save over ₹1.90 lakh crore in foreign exchange since 2014-15.