New Delhi: E10 petrol could make a comeback in India, but this time it may be available mainly as a premium fuel option rather than as a regular petrol alternative.
The Centre is reportedly exploring the feasibility of allowing branded high-octane petrol such as XP95, Speed and Power95 to be sold in an E10 formulation. The move comes amid growing concerns among motorists about the impact of E20 petrol on fuel economy and older vehicles.
E10 petrol contains up to 10 per cent ethanol, while E20 contains 20 per cent ethanol. E20 has now become the standard petrol blend across India as part of the country's ethanol-blending programme. However, some owners of older vehicles have raised concerns over mileage, compatibility and the long-term impact of higher ethanol content.
The proposal being examined could provide such motorists with access to lower-ethanol fuel without requiring oil companies to create an entirely separate network of storage tanks and dispensing infrastructure. Since premium petrol infrastructure is already available at many fuel stations, offering E10 through selected premium grades could be easier to implement than bringing back E10 as a nationwide regular fuel option.
The discussion marks a shift from the government's earlier position. In July, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas had ruled out supplying pure petrol, E10 and E20 simultaneously across the country, citing the additional logistical and infrastructure costs involved in maintaining multiple fuel blends. The government had reiterated that E20 would remain the standard petrol blend.
The latest proposal, however, is still at an exploratory stage and does not amount to a final decision. Officials are examining technical feasibility as well as the cost and logistics of supplying an additional fuel formulation.
Fuel economy has been one of the major concerns in the E20 debate. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari recently said in Parliament that E20 could reduce fuel economy by around 2 to 6 per cent, depending on the vehicle's category and age.
For owners of older petrol vehicles, the possible return of E10 could therefore provide another choice at fuel stations. However, if E10 is offered only through premium grades, motorists may have to pay more for the lower-ethanol option.
For now, the proposal remains under consideration, and consumers will have to wait for a formal government decision before knowing whether and when E10 premium petrol will become available.
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