The Commission observed that consumers cannot reasonably be expected to avoid E20 fuel when it is the predominant petrol blend available at fuel stations.
Read Full StoryNearly half willing to take legal routeThe survey, which received responses from more than 22,000 petrol vehicle owners across 316 districts, asked respondents how far they would go to recover losses if they believed E20 petrol had caused major damage to their vehicle.
Concerns over wear and tear continueThe survey also highlights growing concerns among owners of older petrol vehicles amid India's transition to E20 fuel.
According to LocalCircles, 55% of owners of pre-2023 petrol vehicles reported an unusual increase in wear and tear or repair requirements since early 2025.
Survey detailsThe survey received responses from 22,373 petrol vehicle owners across 316 districts in India.
A majority of petrol vehicle owners are prepared to seek compensation if they believe E20 petrol causes major damage to their vehicles, with nearly half willing to approach consumer courts or pursue legal action, according to a new LocalCircles survey released on Friday.
The findings come days after the Raipur District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission ordered Maruti Suzuki and its dealer to replace a Grand Vitara or refund the customer around Rs 20.5 lakh, along with Rs 1 lakh as compensation for mental agony, in a case involving alleged E20-related engine issues. The Commission observed that consumers cannot reasonably be expected to avoid E20 fuel when it is the predominant petrol blend available at fuel stations.
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Nearly half willing to take legal route
The survey, which received responses from more than 22,000 petrol vehicle owners across 316 districts, asked respondents how far they would go to recover losses if they believed E20 petrol had caused major damage to their vehicle.
According to the findings:
31% said they would approach the Consumer Commission (Consumer Court).
14% said they would pursue every legal option available.
Together, 45% indicated they would take the legal route.
Meanwhile:
18% said they would seek compensation from both the vehicle manufacturer and the fuel company.
9% would seek compensation only from the manufacturer.
This means 27% would first pursue compensation directly from manufacturers and/or fuel companies, while 14% said they would not pursue the matter and another 14% remained undecided.
Concerns over wear and tear continue
The survey also highlights growing concerns among owners of older petrol vehicles amid India's transition to E20 fuel.
According to LocalCircles, 55% of owners of pre-2023 petrol vehicles reported an unusual increase in wear and tear or repair requirements since early 2025. The organisation also cited its earlier survey, which found that 66% of owners reported a fuel-efficiency drop of more than 10%.
The latest survey suggests that the recent consumer court ruling has strengthened owners' willingness to pursue legal remedies if they believe E20 fuel has damaged their vehicles.
Raipur consumer court ruling
The LocalCircles survey follows the Raipur Consumer Commission's July 14 verdict involving a Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara owner who alleged recurring engine problems, reduced performance, stalling and declining fuel efficiency after using E20 petrol.
The Commission directed Maruti Suzuki and its dealer to either replace the SUV or refund the vehicle's purchase price, registration charges and insurance premium—amounting to approximately Rs 20.5 lakh along with Rs 1 lakh towards compensation for mental agony.
Maruti Suzuki has maintained that the Grand Vitara complied with the applicable fuel compatibility norms at the time of manufacture and sale, and is expected to challenge the order before a higher forum.
LocalCircles calls for policy review
Based on the survey findings, LocalCircles urged policymakers to revisit India's ethanol blending roadmap. The organisation suggested that alongside energy security and emission reduction goals, greater emphasis should be placed on fuel efficiency and vehicle longevity.
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It also recommended making lower-ethanol petrol blends such as E0, E5 or E10 available alongside E20, allowing owners of older petrol vehicles to choose fuel that matches their vehicle's compatibility.
Survey details
The survey received responses from 22,373 petrol vehicle owners across 316 districts in India. According to LocalCircles, 68% of respondents were men and 32% were women. Around 42% were from Tier-1 cities, 25% from Tier-2 cities and 33% from Tier-3, Tier-4, Tier-5 and rural districts. Participants were registered users of the LocalCircles platform.
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