Sourav Joshi Withdraws E20 Fuel Claim, Says Mercedes Mileage Drop Was Due to Engine Fault
Sourav Joshi Withdraws E20 Fuel Claim, Says Mercedes Mileage Drop Was Due to Engine Fault
14 July, 2026: Popular YouTuber Sourav Joshi has withdrawn his earlier claim linking E20 petrol to a sharp decline in the mileage of his Mercedes-Benz SUV. The vlogger clarified that the issue was traced to an engine fault after the vehicle was inspected at an authorised Mercedes-Benz service centre.
Joshi’s clarification comes shortly after Mercedes-Benz India issued an advisory stating that all its BS VI petrol vehicles are fully compatible with E20 fuel. The company reiterated that its vehicles are certified for E20 petrol and encouraged customers to approach authorised service centres for any technical concerns.
In a post on social media, Joshi said the service centre identified an engine-related issue that was responsible for the low mileage. He also apologised for the confusion caused by his earlier remarks.
“We visited the Mercedes service centre, and they found an issue with the engine, which was causing the low mileage. I apologise for the misunderstanding regarding E20 petrol,” he said. Joshi further added that he never intended to spread misinformation or hurt anyone’s sentiments.
The clarification marks a reversal from his earlier viral video, in which he claimed that his Mercedes SUV’s mileage had fallen from around 17 kmpl to just 5 kmpl within two days. He had attributed the decline to E20 petrol and expressed concerns that the fuel could potentially damage the engine. He had also claimed that the vehicle’s driving range had reduced significantly after refuelling.
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
Despite removing or editing the relevant portion of the original video, clips of Joshi’s initial comments continue to circulate on social media, fuelling discussions around the use of E20 petrol in vehicles.
Sourav Joshi is the biggest youtuber in India millions of people watch him. He raised the issue of ethanol making it mainstream on SM. Now he is facing backlash by right wingers. He has deleted that clip. Soon he will apologise or collaborate with BJPpic.twitter.com/VOU7dfr3IO
— nerdy-times (@Nayra96969) July 13, 2026
Mercedes-Benz India, however, maintained that customer safety, reliability and vehicle performance remain its highest priorities. The company said all its BS VI petrol models are fully compatible with E20 fuel and meet the required certification standards.
E20 petrol, a blend of 20% ethanol and 80% petrol, is part of the government’s ethanol-blending programme aimed at reducing fuel imports and promoting cleaner energy. While concerns over its use in older or incompatible vehicles continue to be debated, the government has defended the initiative, saying it benefits farmers, supports the sugar industry and helps reduce India’s dependence on imported crude oil.
