The Modi Government has clarified in the Parliament that premium grades of petrol sold by public sector oil companies will continue to remain free from ethanol blending, while ruling out any immediate plans to increase ethanol content beyond 20 per cent or to reintroduce E0 or E10 petrol in the country.
Responding to queries in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi stated that premium fuels such as Indian Oil’s XP100, Hindustan Petroleum’s poWer100, and Bharat Petroleum’s Speed100 are niche products containing specialised additives designed for enhanced performance. These fuels account for only about 0.5 per cent of total petrol consumption and are therefore exempt from ethanol blending.
Currently priced at around Rs 160 per litre, premium petrol remains significantly costlier than regular petrol, which is sold at approximately Rs 102 per litre and contains 20 per cent ethanol (E20). The government has already directed fuel retailers to supply E20 petrol across all states and Union Territories under the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme.
Gopi emphasised that any decision to increase ethanol blending beyond 20 per cent would be based on comprehensive scientific studies and consultations with automobile manufacturers, oil companies, and research institutions.
Gopi also added that no widespread complaints have been received regarding the use of E20 fuel. Studies and field data have shown no significant adverse effects on engine performance, durability, or vehicle lifespan.
Highlighting the scale of adoption, the minister noted that over 20 crore two-wheelers and more than 3 crore petrol cars are already operating on higher ethanol blends without verified issues.
The government also dismissed the possibility of reverting to E0 (zero ethanol) or E10 fuels, citing logistical challenges and increased costs of maintaining parallel fuel supply systems. It reiterated that the focus remains on cleaner, more sustainable fuels aligned with energy security and environmental goals.
“Public policy aims to move forward with better fuel standards, not revert to inferior ones,” Gopi said.
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