The Indian government has rolled out 20% ethanol blending in petrol across the country earlier this year. This new step, known as E20, is now available at most fuel stations and is gradually replacing earlier blends. While the move is part of India’s larger energy strategy, it has sparked concerns among many vehicle owners, particularly around how it may affect engine performance and long-term maintenance. The oil ministry has issued several statements in recent weeks to address these questions, as almost all petrol now available contains a 20% ethanol mix.
The Shift from E5 and E10 to E20
The Indian government announced earlier this year that it had reached the E20 target much earlier than expected. Before this transition, petrol was commonly sold in E5 and E10 blends (5% and 10% ethanol respectively). These older variants have now been discontinued in most regions, making E20 petrol the new standard option for everyday users.
Can You Still Buy Unblended Petrol?
Technically, yes — but only in the form of 100-octane petrol, often sold under premium names like XP100. However, this is not a realistic choice for most drivers. The price of XP100 is nearly double compared to regular fuel, costing around ₹160 per litre in Delhi and Mumbai. On top of that, it’s not widely available and is limited to select pumps in major cities and metros, mainly catering to high-performance vehicles.
What Exactly is E20 Petrol?
Ethanol is an alcohol-based biofuel made from renewable plant sources such as sugarcane or corn. By using ethanol in fuel, India aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, cut down greenhouse gas emissions, and promote sustainable energy alternatives. Over the past 11 years, ethanol blending has seen a 13x increase, showing how quickly the country’s energy mix is evolving.
According to the oil ministry, vehicles tuned for E20 petrol can deliver:
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Better acceleration and smoother ride quality.
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Around 30% lower carbon emissions compared to E10 fuel.
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Improved performance due to ethanol’s higher octane number (~108.5 vs petrol’s 84.4).
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Cooler intake temperatures, denser air-fuel mixtures, and better volumetric efficiency for modern high-compression engines.
Addressing Concerns from Vehicle Owners
Despite the technical benefits, many vehicle owners remain worried about mileage and possible engine wear. To counter this, the oil ministry recently released a statement dismissing claims that E20 fuel could harm cars or reduce fuel efficiency. Instead, it insisted that the new blend offers improved acceleration and has no negative effect on engine health when used in compatible vehicles.
The Insurance Rumor and Clarification
A major worry circulating online was that insurance companies might refuse coverage for cars running on E20 petrol. The oil ministry called this fear mongering “totally baseless,” clarifying that vehicle insurance in India remains valid regardless of E20 usage. The confusion came after a tweet screenshot was misinterpreted, sparking unnecessary doubts. Officials stressed that using E20 fuel has no impact on insurance validity.
What It Means for Consumers
For now, Indian drivers will need to adapt to E20 petrol, as it becomes the nationwide standard. Unless one is willing to pay extra for 100-octane XP100, unblended petrol is essentially unavailable. While concerns remain, the Indian government sees this as a major milestone in its energy transition, with promises of better performance, reduced emissions, and sustainable growth.
