E20 Petrol: The government is contemplating the possibility of offering branded fuels such as XP95, Speed, and Power95 in E10 formulations due to the growing dissatisfaction with E20 petrol among the public. This alteration would eliminate the necessity for separate E10 storage and dispensing infrastructure as more individuals are transitioning to higher-octane petrol.
– E20 petrol includes 20% ethanol, whereas E10 contains 10%.
– India’s ethanol blending initiative commenced as a trial in 2001, with E5 introduced in 2006. Although the blending rate was only 1.53% in 2013-14, it has been steadily increasing since then.
The Petroleum Ministry is currently in discussions with state-owned oil companies Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum regarding this matter. These talks are in their early stages, and no final decision has been reached yet. Concerns persist regarding the potential negative effects of E20 petrol on engines and mileage of older vehicles, with a rise in demand for the reintroduction of E10 petrol. Discussions are ongoing to explore the feasibility and acceptability of offering octane 95 as E10, which would be a premium E10 fuel.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari informed Parliament that E20 petrol could lead to a 2 to 6 percent reduction in fuel economy; however, engine durability tests have not shown any issues with E20. Gadkari highlighted that E20 fuel offers better acceleration, ride quality, and lower carbon emissions compared to E10.
Octane 95, such as XP95, Speed, and Power95, is priced at Rs 110-115 per liter in Delhi, higher than the regular petrol price of Rs 102 per liter. Additionally, a Premium Octane 100 variant for luxury vehicles is available at around ₹150-170 per liter, containing no ethanol and enhanced additives to improve performance.
What is the provision now?
Currently, E20 petrol has a chloride contamination limit of less than 3 parts per million (ppm). This standard is currently part of a voluntary quality specification for ethanol-blended petrol. The government is working towards making it mandatory.
BIS is making mandatory rules
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), which sets fuel quality standards, is working to make this requirement regarding chloride contamination mandatory. A government official said the government wants to mandate a set limit for contaminants, or impurities present in fuel. This will help maintain the quality of E20 petrol.