Centre Weighs Return of E10 Petrol for Older Vehicles; Premium Fuels Like XP95, Speed & Power95 Under Review

 

 Shankhachil News: 

Amid growing concerns among vehicle owners over the nationwide rollout of 20% ethanol-blended petrol (E20), the Central Government is exploring the possibility of reintroducing lower ethanol-blended fuel for older vehicles. According to reports, authorities are examining whether premium 95-octane petrol variants such as Indian Oil's XP95, Bharat Petroleum's Speed, and Hindustan Petroleum's Power95 can be marketed as E10 (10% ethanol-blended) fuel. No final decision has been taken yet, and discussions are still at a preliminary stage.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is reportedly holding consultations with state-run oil marketing companies—Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL). The objective is to provide an E10 fuel option for owners of older vehicles without creating a separate nationwide fuel distribution infrastructure.

At present, E20 petrol has become the standard fuel at most petrol stations across India. However, many owners of older vehicles have expressed concerns that E20 may reduce fuel efficiency and may not be ideally suited for engines originally designed to run on E10 fuel. These concerns are particularly significant for vehicles manufactured before E20 compatibility became common.

The Central Government has maintained that there is no evidence suggesting widespread engine damage or major mechanical failures due to the use of E20 fuel. In July, the government stated that vehicles designed for E10 fuel could experience a modest reduction in fuel economy—typically around 3% to 5%—when using E20. The actual impact, however, may vary depending on the vehicle's model, age, and driving conditions.