The central government clarified on Thursday that premium gasoline sold by state-owned oil companies does not contain an ethanol additive. Furthermore, it was stated that there are currently no decisions regarding blending more than 20% ethanol into gasoline, and there are no proposals to resume supplies of E0 or E10 gasoline.
Information from the Minister
Oil and Natural Gas Minister Suresh Gopi provided this information in a written response in Lok Sabha. He stated that premium fuel types such as XP100 from Indian Oil, poWer100 from Hindustan Petroleum, and Speed100 from Bharat Petroleum do not contain ethanol. These special fuel types include special additives to ensure better performance and account for about 0.5% of the total gasoline sales volume in the country.
Fuel Prices and Composition
The cost of these premium gasoline types is approximately 160 rupees per liter, whereas regular gasoline costs about 102.12 rupees per liter. Currently, regular gasoline contains up to 20% ethanol.
E20 Safety for Vehicles
Suresh Gopi emphasized that any decision to add more than 20% ethanol to gasoline will only be made after conducting detailed scientific and technical research. This process will involve consultations with vehicle manufacturers, oil trading companies, and research institutions.
The government has directed state and private oil companies to ensure the availability of gasoline blended up to 20% ethanol in all states and union territories of the country. Under the ethanol blended fuel program, gasoline blended with ethanol having a minimum octane rating of 95 RESEARCH RON was also approved starting April 1, 2026.
According to the government, there have been no mass confirmed complaints from vehicle manufacturers, automotive associations, or consumer groups regarding E20 gasoline. Laboratory tests, field trials, and operational data have shown that E20 fuel does not have a widespread negative impact on engine reliability, performance, or vehicle lifespan.
Operation and Statistics
The Minister noted that over 20 million two-wheelers and more than 30 million passenger cars operating on high-ethanol content fuel are in use in the country. To date, no confirmed data has been presented regarding mass engine failures due to ethanol blending.
Reasons for Absence of E0 or E10
Regarding the non-resumption of E0 or E10 gasoline supplies, the government cited logistical difficulties. The government stated that maintaining a separate supply system for E0, E10, and E20 gasoline at over one hundred thousand petrol pumps across the country would significantly increase transportation, storage, and fuel management costs.
It should be noted that E0 denotes gasoline without ethanol, while E10 contains 10% ethanol. E20 gasoline consists of 80% gasoline and 20% ethanol. Currently, E20 gasoline is supplied to over one hundred thousand petrol pumps across the country, while premium gasoline is available only at select petrol pumps.
Suresh Gopi stated that the goal of the government's policy is to move towards cleaner and higher quality fuel, not to revert to old standards. He added that E20 fuel was adopted after scientific testing, and the automotive industry approved it after comprehensive tests. The government's goal is to move towards clean fuel, balancing energy security, environmental sustainability, and farmers' interests.
