Shillong: Automotive giants Maruti Suzuki and Toyota are pushing E20 ethanol-blended fuel as a safe energy solution. They insist the mixture does not harm older engines. Drivers in Shillong tell a different story. High altitudes and heavy rain make the fuel a liability.
Taxi drivers report a 20 per cent drop in mileage. Cars frequently stall on the steep climbs of the Khasi Hills. Local mechanics in Mawlai and Demseiniong report a steady spike in fouled spark plugs and clogged fuel filters. Ethanol absorbs moisture quickly. This makes it a poor fit for the humid climate.
Maruti Suzuki Senior Executive Officer Rahul Bharti dismissed these concerns. He claimed the company serviced 1.5 crore older models without seeing E20-related failures. Toyota Kirloskar Motor executive Vikram Gulati also said his dealerships have received no complaints.
These corporate reassurances ignore the financial strain on workers. One taxi driver at the Assembly stand had a blunt assessment. "What New Delhi calls a marginal impact on performance is a direct hit to our daily earnings," he said. The cars simply struggle on slopes they used to handle with ease.
Meghalaya Transport Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar claims there are no official complaints. He has asked the public to file formal reports. Meanwhile, local pump owners confirmed that this blend has been the standard supply for nearly a year. The policy creates a gap between government data and the reality on the ground.
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