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Sourav Joshi initially blamed E20, later posted that it was a “mechanical or sensor issue”, along with a public apology on X. He also edited his vlog to remove the segment
Sourav Joshi is widely known as India’s number one daily life vlogger. His videos focus on simple routines, family moments and everyday experiences that feel relatable to millions. What makes his success remarkable is that it did not begin with privilege or connections but in a modest household where hard work and financial discipline were the key factors.
Popular Indian lifestyle YouTuber Sourav Joshi has officially backtracked on his viral claims that E20 ethanol-blended petrol caused a massive drop in his luxury vehicle’s fuel efficiency. He clarified that an internal engine issue was the actual cause of the low mileage, rather than the quality or blend of the fuel.
Joshi posted a public apology on X (formerly Twitter) and subsequently edited his vlog to remove the controversial segment.
“Like any machine, automobiles can develop faults. No technology is 100 per cent perfect. If a vehicle develops an issue, owners should have it inspected by the dealer and use insurance where applicable. Not every mechanical problem can be attributed to ethanol blending,” Union Minister Nitin Gadkari responded.
The Initial Claim
In a vlog uploaded on July 12, 2026, Joshi showed the digital instrument cluster of his Mercedes-Benz SUV, claiming its mileage had plummeted from 16–17 kmpl down to a shocking 5 kmpl within 48 hours.
He blamed the newly rolled-out E20 fuel (a 20% ethanol and 80% petrol blend) at local filling stations. He stated he was “scared” to refuel and worried the blend would ruin his engine.
We visited the Mercedes service center, and they found that there was an issue with the engine, which was causing the low mileage. I apologize for the misunderstanding regarding E20 petrol. My intention was never to spread incorrect information or hurt anyone’s sentiments. I have…— Sourav Joshi Vlogs (@souravjoshi_art) July 13, 2026
The Corporate Response
Following the viral video, Mercedes-Benz India issued a formal customer advisory. The company clarified that all of its BS VI-compliant petrol vehicles are materially compatible with E20 fuel and fully certified by regulatory authorities. Automotive experts also highlighted that while E20 fuel has a lower energy density, it typically accounts for only a minor 3% to 5% reduction in fuel economy, making a 70% drop mechanically impossible without a pre-existing vehicle defect.
The Backtrack and Explanation
After taking the vehicle to an authorized service centre, Joshi completely retracted his statement.
Technicians discovered a specific, pre-existing mechanical or sensor issue within the SUV’s engine that was hurting its fuel efficiency.
Joshi stated on X, “We visited the Mercedes service center, and they found that there was an issue with the engine… I apologize for the misunderstanding regarding E20 petrol. My intention was never to spread incorrect information.”
I have the right to express my views through my YouTube vlogs. Everything I share is based on my personal thoughts, opinions, and experiences. I speak about what I genuinely feel, and there is no bias or hidden agenda behind it.— Sourav Joshi Vlogs (@souravjoshi_art) July 13, 2026
What is the government’s stance?
The Government of India has officially acknowledged that E20 petrol causes a marginal 3% to 5% reduction in fuel economy. This confirmation came directly from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari following growing public complaints and social media backlash regarding a drop in vehicle mileage.
The Ministry clarified that ethanol inherently has a lower calorific value than pure petrol, meaning it contains less energy per litre, which naturally impacts fuel efficiency. According to Gadkari, the drop is less noticeable in stop-and-go city traffic (where vehicles run on lower gears) but becomes more evident during sustained highway driving.
Dismissing claims of extreme mileage drops (such as vehicles plunging from 11 km/l to 7 km/l), the government stated that dashboard readings and manual calculations by vehicle owners are not scientifically accurate. Gadkari emphasised that real fuel efficiency can only be verified using specialized diagnostic machinery available at manufacturer-authorised service centers.
The Ministry noted that for four-wheelers designed for E10 but calibrated for E20, the drop is a minimal 1% to 2%. Overall, the drop is capped at 2% to 4% for two-wheelers and 3% to 6% for four-wheelers.
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