Shillong: Shillong's motorists are facing significant financial strain as the transition to 20 percent ethanol-blended petrol, known as E20, impacts vehicle performance. Drivers operating on the city's steep gradients report a 15 to 20 percent drop in mileage, making the fuel shift a critical survival issue for the local taxi industry.
Mechanics in areas like Mawlai and Demseiniong have observed a surge in maintenance problems, including clogged fuel filters and fouled spark plugs. Experts suggest the ethanol blend is ill-suited for the region's humid and high-altitude climate because it absorbs moisture more readily than traditional petrol. This creates a disconnect between the central government's environmental agenda and the mechanical realities faced by hill-terrain commuters.
Local petrol pump owners state that E20 has been the standard supply for nearly a year, claiming they have received a lack of “formal complaints.” Meanwhile, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari did not address these mechanical and financial concerns during his recent visit to the state capital.
While the federal program aims to lower carbon emissions and reduce dependency on imported crude, the policy has left many residents dealing with mounting repair bills. For the commercial drivers navigating the Khasi Hills, the push for greener fuel has resulted in higher consumption costs that remain largely unaddressed by authorities.
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