E10 petrol could make a comeback in India as the government considers ways to offer lower-ethanol fuel to vehicle owners. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) said discussions on bringing E10 petrol back are still underway. The BPCL CMD shared the update during a virtual press conference held after the company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). He said no final decision has been taken yet on the reintroduction of E10 petrol.
No separate infrastructure needed for E10
The BPCL CMD said oil marketing companies (OMCs) would not need separate infrastructure to sell E10 petrol. He added that OMCs do not face any major issue in supplying E10 fuel. Existing infrastructure and distribution systems can be used if E10 petrol is brought back.
Two proposals for E10 petrol
The government is looking at two possible options for making E10 petrol available.
One proposal is to offer 95-octane premium petrol in an E10 blend. This could include fuels such as XP95, SPEED and Power95.
The second proposal is to sell regular E10 petrol separately.
The first option could be easier to implement. It would not require a separate distribution network across the country. E20 blends are already available in some 95-octane premium petrol offerings.
Older vehicle owners could get another option
The possible return of E10 petrol comes amid concerns among owners of older vehicles about E20 fuel.
Vehicle manufacturers have been producing E20-compliant vehicles since April 2023. However, owners of older cars and two-wheelers have continued to seek petrol with lower ethanol content.
If introduced, E10 petrol could give these consumers another fuel option.
E10 could be cheaper than ethanol-free fuel
Regular petrol in Delhi currently costs around Rs 102 per litre, while 95-octane premium petrol is priced at around Rs 110-115 per litre.
In comparison, 100-octane petrol, which does not contain ethanol, can cost around Rs 150-170 per litre.
Offering E10 through 95-octane premium petrol could therefore provide a relatively affordable lower-ethanol fuel option.
For now, however, the government has not taken a final decision on how or when E10 petrol could return to the market.