Sourabh Joshi’s Ethanol Fuel Controversy: Why the YouTuber’s Mercedes Mileage Claim Has Sparked a Nationwide Debate.
India’s biggest daily vlogger, Sourabh Joshi, has unexpectedly become the center of a nationwide discussion—not because of a new luxury car or travel vlog, but due to his comments about ethanol-blended petrol (E20 fuel).
In a recent vlog, Joshi claimed that the mileage of his Mercedes-Benz SUV dropped dramatically after using E20 petrol. His remarks quickly went viral across social media, reigniting the debate over whether ethanol-blended fuel affects vehicle performance.
What Did Sourabh Joshi Say?
While driving his Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC, Sourabh Joshi showed his car’s dashboard and claimed that:
- His vehicle earlier delivered around 17 km/l
- Mileage allegedly dropped to 9 km/l
- Later, it reportedly fell to nearly 5 km/l
- A full tank that previously showed about 800 km driving range was now displaying roughly 480 km.
He blamed the decline on ethanol-blended petrol and expressed concern that the vehicle might develop mechanical issues in the future.
Why Did the Video Go Viral?
Sourabh Joshi has over 40 million YouTube subscribers, making him one of India’s most influential creators.
Because millions of Indians now use E20 petrol, his claims immediately caught public attention.
Many social media users shared similar experiences, while others questioned whether the dashboard readings actually proved that ethanol was responsible for the mileage drop.
What Is E20 Petrol?
E20 petrol contains:
- 80% regular petrol
- 20% ethanol
The Government of India has promoted ethanol blending to:
- Reduce dependence on imported crude oil
- Lower carbon emissions
- Support sugarcane farmers
- Improve India’s energy security
E20 fuel has been gradually rolled out across the country since 2025.
overnment’s Response
The controversy comes shortly after the government defended its ethanol blending policy.
Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri stated that:
- Vehicle manufacturers have not reported widespread issues with E20 fuel.
- Millions of two-wheelers and four-wheelers are already running on ethanol-blended petrol.
- There is no evidence suggesting that E20 is causing large-scale vehicle problems.
Mercedes-Benz Responds
Following the viral discussion, Mercedes-Benz India reiterated that:
- All BS VI petrol Mercedes models are certified as E20 compatible.
- Customer safety and vehicle reliability remain priorities.
- Owners experiencing issues should contact authorized service centers for technical inspection.
Can E20 Petrol Reduce Mileage?
Technically, ethanol contains less energy than conventional petrol.
Because of this, experts generally expect:
- A small reduction in fuel efficiency when using higher ethanol blends.
- Most E20-compatible vehicles are designed to handle this without major performance issues.
However, a drop from 17 km/l to 5 km/l would be much larger than what is typically expected. Such a difference could also be influenced by factors such as:
- Driving style
- Traffic conditions
- Dashboard’s real-time fuel consumption display
- Vehicle maintenance
- Road terrain
- Air-conditioning usage
As of now, there is no independent verification confirming that ethanol alone caused the mileage changes shown in Sourabh Joshi’s video.
Social Media Reactions
The internet remains divided.
Some users claimed they had experienced reduced mileage after switching to E20 petrol.
Others pointed out that:
- Real-time mileage readings fluctuate significantly.
- Luxury SUVs often show varying fuel economy depending on driving conditions.
- One viral video cannot establish that E20 petrol is responsible for widespread problems.
The debate continues across YouTube, X, Instagram, and Facebook.
What Car Owners Should Do
If you notice unusual mileage after refueling:
- Check whether your vehicle is certified for E20 fuel.
- Monitor average mileage over several refills rather than relying on a single trip.
- Get the vehicle inspected if the issue persists.
- Follow the fuel recommendations provided by your vehicle manufacturer.
Final Thoughts
Sourabh Joshi’s viral comments have once again brought ethanol-blended petrol into the national spotlight.
While his experience has triggered widespread discussion, there is currently no confirmed evidence that E20 petrol alone caused the dramatic mileage reduction he reported. Vehicle manufacturers, including Mercedes-Benz, continue to maintain that their E20-compatible models are designed to operate safely with ethanol-blended fuel.
As more drivers share their experiences and experts continue evaluating E20’s real-world performance, the conversation around ethanol fuel in India is likely to continue.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is Sourabh Joshi trending?
Sourabh Joshi is trending after claiming that ethanol-blended E20 petrol significantly reduced the mileage of his Mercedes-Benz SUV.
What is E20 petrol?
E20 petrol is fuel containing 20% ethanol and 80% regular petrol. It is part of India’s plan to reduce oil imports and emissions.
Did Mercedes respond to Sourabh Joshi’s claims?
Yes. Mercedes-Benz India stated that all its BS VI petrol vehicles are certified to run on E20 fuel and advised customers to contact authorized service centers if they experience issues.
Does E20 petrol reduce mileage?
A slight reduction in mileage is generally expected because ethanol has lower energy content than petrol. However, there is no verified evidence that E20 alone causes the severe mileage drop shown in Sourabh Joshi’s video.
Is E20 petrol mandatory in India?
The government has been progressively rolling out E20 petrol nationwide, and many newer vehicles are designed to be compatible with it.
