인도, 휘발유에 식물연료 섞자 운전자들 '연비 나빠진다' 불만

Have you ever filled your car with fuel and noticed something different? In India, this is happening right now.

India recently started mixing biofuels with petrol. Biofuels come from plants, not from oil under the ground. The government wants to use biofuels because they are better for Earth. They make less pollution.

The new fuel blend is called E20. This means it has 20 percent biofuel mixed in. The goal is good — help the environment and use less oil from other countries.

But many drivers are unhappy. They say their cars run less well with E20. One driver said: "My car uses much more fuel now. I drive the same way, but I stop at gas stations more often." Car owners are worried about money. If your car uses more fuel, you pay more each week.

There is another problem. Some drivers think E20 might break their cars faster. Car engines may need more repairs. This could cost hundreds or thousands of rupees each year.

Not every car can use E20. Older cars work better with regular petrol. Many Indian families own older cars, so they cannot use this new fuel. This makes some people feel left out.

The Indian government says E20 is safe. Scientists tested it. But drivers want to see proof that their cars will not break. They want answers before they fill their tanks.

This is a common problem around the world. Many countries want green fuel. But people worry about their wallets and their cars. How do we help Earth AND help families keep their money? That is the hard question.

What would you do? Would you try E20 if it helped the environment but cost you more money? Or would you wait until it is safer?

Inspired by reporting from BBC News.