Bhubaneswar: The debate surrounding E20-blended petrol is no longer confined to vehicle compatibility and maintenance concerns. Across Odisha, motorists say it is increasingly influencing the way they drive, plan journeys and manage their monthly transportation budgets.From office-goers combining multiple errands into a single trip to delivery workers closely monitoring fuel consumption, consumers are becoming more conscious of every kilometre travelled. Many vehicle owners told TOI they have started paying more attention to mileage, fuel expenses and servicing schedules amid rising ownership costs.“Earlier, I used my bike even for short errands, but now I try to finish multiple tasks in one trip. I also check my mileage more often than before,” says Akash Mohanty, a private- sector employee living in Goutam Nagar.Fuel station operators say they are hearing far more questions from customers than they did a few months ago. Motorists routinely ask about fuel blends, mileage and whether there are ways to improve efficiency.“The awareness level among consumers has increased significantly. People want to know how they can get the best mileage and reduce fuel expenses,” says an attendant at a petrol pump near Rasulgarh.Automobile dealers and service centre operators also report that vehicle owners have become more cautious about maintenance. Several customers are opting for timely servicing and engine checks in the belief that a well-maintained vehicle offers better fuel efficiency. “People are more conscious about vehicle health now. Many customers specifically mention fuel efficiency as the primary reason for servicing on time,” says Ajay Pradhan, a senior mechanic at a service centre in Bomikhal.The change is particularly visible among high-mileage users such as app-based delivery workers, sales executives and cab drivers, whose earnings are directly affected by fuel expenditure. “For us, even a small difference in mileage matters because we travel long distances every day. We are paying closer attention to riding habits and maintenance,” says Amish Sahoo, a food delivery executive here.Public transport operators say some regular commuters are also exploring alternatives to reduce dependence on personal vehicles. Officials associated with urban transport services say that rising awareness about fuel costs is encouraging a section of commuters to consider buses and shared transport for routine travel. “People today are calculating transportation expenses more carefully. Whether it is E20, fuel prices or maintenance costs, consumers are increasingly looking at the total cost of mobility,” says S K Mohapatra, an automobile analyst.Sonal Swain, a college student from Cuttack, who plans to buy her first two-wheeler later this year, says she has started comparing petrol and electric models after seeing discussions around E20 and ownership expenses. “Running costs have become an important consideration. Earlier I only looked at the vehicle price. Now I am trying to understand what it will cost me every month,” she says.