Ethanol Fuel & Mercedes: Vlogger’s Mileage Drop Sparks Debate
By ThePip Desk
Vlogger Sourav Joshi reports a drastic drop in his Mercedes SUV’s mileage (17 to 5 kmpl) after using ethanol-blended petrol, igniting a debate despite government assurances.
🔥 Main Takeaway: Indian vlogger Sourav Joshi’s Mercedes SUV mileage reportedly tanked from 17 to 5 kmpl, igniting a fresh debate over the real-world impact of ethanol-blended petrol on premium vehicles.
📌 What Happened?
Popular Indian vlogger Sourav Joshi, with over 41 million subscribers, publicly detailed a dramatic fuel efficiency drop in his Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC (Petrol) SUV.
He claimed the vehicle’s mileage plummeted from 17 kmpl to just 5 kmpl within 48 hours, with a full tank now only covering 480 kilometers, down from 800 kilometers previously.
Joshi, based in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, directly attributed this sharp decline to the ethanol-blended petrol widely available at Indian fuel stations, with his wife Avantika Bhatt also expressing concern.
Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri dismissed these concerns as “misrepresentation,” stating E20 petrol has been in use since April 2025 and is accepted by automakers and consumers.
Puri highlighted that approximately 20 crore two-wheelers and 20 lakh four-wheelers currently operate on ethanol-blended fuel without widespread reported issues.
💰 Why It Matters
This incident sparks a critical conversation among luxury car owners and potential buyers about the compatibility and long-term effects of E20 fuel on high-performance engines.
For consumers, particularly those with premium vehicles, a significant drop in fuel efficiency translates directly into higher operational costs, impacting their personal finance goals.
The government’s push for ethanol blending aims at energy security and environmental benefits, but real-world consumer experiences like Joshi’s challenge the narrative of seamless adoption.
👀 What to Watch Next
Monitor official statements from automakers regarding E20 fuel compatibility and any specific recommendations for luxury vehicle maintenance in India.
Keep an eye on any further technical tests or consultations regarding the potential introduction of E25 petrol, which could further intensify concerns among a segment of vehicle owners.
Observe how this public debate influences consumer purchasing decisions, especially concerning petrol versus electric vehicles, as Joshi himself noted his electric G-Wagon avoids these fuel-related worries.