Premium Petrol to Remain Ethanol-Free: Government Rules Out E0 & E10 Comeback, Clarifies E20 Policy

The Central Government has clarified that premium petrol sold by public sector oil companies will continue to remain ethanol-free, while dismissing speculation about the return of E0 and E10 petrol. The government also stated that there is currently no proposal to increase ethanol blending beyond 20% (E20), reaffirming its commitment to cleaner and scientifically validated fuels.

The clarification came through a written reply in the Lok Sabha by Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi.

Premium Petrol Like XP100, Speed100 to Remain Ethanol-Free

According to the government, premium fuel variants including:

Indian Oil XP100

HPCL poWer100

BPCL Speed100

will continue to be sold without ethanol blending.

These fuels contain specialized performance-enhancing additives and account for only around 0.5% of India's total petrol sales. Premium petrol is priced at nearly ₹160 per litre, while regular E20 petrol costs around ₹102.12 per litre.

Government Has No Plan to Increase Ethanol Blend Beyond E20

The government clarified that no decision has been taken to introduce E30 or higher ethanol blends.

If such a proposal is considered in the future, it will only proceed after:

Scientific and technical evaluation

Vehicle compatibility studies

Consultations with automobile manufacturers

Discussions with oil marketing companies

Inputs from research institutions

Government's Stand on E20 Petrol

The Centre maintained that E20 petrol has not created any widespread issues.

According to the government:

No major complaints have been received regarding E20 fuel.

Automobile manufacturers have not raised significant objections.

Laboratory testing found no serious impact on engine durability.

Field trials showed no major decline in vehicle performance.

Over 20 crore two-wheelers are already running on E20-compatible fuel.

More than 3 crore petrol cars are using higher ethanol-blended fuel.

No verified evidence links E20 with large-scale engine failures.

Why E0 and E10 Petrol Will Not Return

The government ruled out bringing back E0 (0% ethanol) and E10 (10% ethanol) petrol.

According to the Petroleum Ministry:

E20 petrol is already available at over one lakh fuel stations across India.

Maintaining separate supplies of E0, E10 and E20 would significantly increase storage, transportation and logistics costs.

The current fuel policy focuses on improving energy security, reducing crude oil imports, supporting farmers, and lowering emissions.

Future Fuel Policy

The Centre reiterated that India's fuel roadmap aims to move towards cleaner, scientifically tested fuels rather than reverting to older standards.

The government emphasized that once a superior fuel has been validated scientifically and accepted by the automobile industry, policy should continue moving forward instead of returning to outdated fuel standards.