Why no choice between pure petrol, E10 and E20?: Centre cites logistics challenges behind fuel transition
New Delhi, July 11
Responding to concerns over why consumers are not being offered a choice between pure petrol, E10 and E20 fuel, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said maintaining multiple petrol grades across India's vast fuel distribution network would create major operational and logistical challenges.
The Ministry said India's shift towards E20 was part of a planned transition after extensive consultations with automobile manufacturers, testing agencies and other stakeholders. It added that the decision was based on technical evaluations covering vehicle compatibility, engine performance, emissions and fuel efficiency.
Addressing the demand for separate availability of pure petrol, E10 and E20 at fuel stations, the Ministry said India's fuel distribution system is not designed to operate multiple nationwide base fuel streams simultaneously.
"India operates over one lakh retail outlets, supported by an extensive network of refineries, terminals, depots and pipelines," the Ministry said, adding that maintaining separate supply chains for different petrol blends would increase handling costs, complicate inventory management and reduce operational efficiency.
The Ministry said comparisons with premium petrol were not applicable, as premium fuels are niche products sold in limited quantities with specialised additives and do not represent separate nationwide fuel supply chains.
On concerns regarding older vehicles that were initially labelled as only E10-compatible, the Ministry said automobile manufacturers were consulted before the rollout of higher ethanol blends and have continued to support the transition.
It said manufacturers would not have endorsed E20 or honoured warranties if they were not satisfied with the results of extensive testing and consultations.
"Had automobile manufacturers not been fully satisfied with the results, they would never have stood behind the product or honoured vehicle warranties. The fact that virtually every manufacturer today is honoring warranty for all vehicles (old or new) is because they have been part of the consultation," the Ministry said.
Citing field experience, the Ministry said Maruti Suzuki serviced 2.84 crore vehicles during FY 2025-26, including 1.5 crore older, non-E20-certified vehicles, and reported no E20-related issues such as corrosion, abnormal wear or component damage. It added that Hero MotoCorp has reported similar experiences.
The Ministry acknowledged that some vehicles may see a 3-5 per cent reduction in fuel economy with E20 but said mileage is only one factor in assessing fuel quality.
It said E20 offers advantages such as higher octane rating, improved combustion, smoother acceleration, cleaner engine operation and reduced lifecycle carbon emissions.
The Ministry also said the transition to E20 was linked not only to fuel quality but also to reducing crude oil imports, improving energy security and supporting farmers through increased ethanol production.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Having lived in both India and the US, I understand both sides. In the US, different fuel grades are common, but they have a more consolidated distribution system. India's 1 lakh+ retail outlets and complex supply chain make it genuinely challenging. That said, the 3-5% mileage drop is concerning. I hope the government has concrete plans to compensate consumers.
The article mentions Maruti Suzuki serviced 2.84 crore vehicles and reported no issues. That's reassuring for those of us who own older cars. But I still worry about long-term effects on engines built before E20 was even a concept. At least they've consulted manufacturers extensively before pushing this out. Better than earlier policies where they just announced things overnight.
Ye sab theek hai, lekin ek baat batao - jab hum log pehle se hi petrol ki badti hui keemat se pareshan hain, aur ab efficiency kam hogi, toh overall cost aur badhegi na? Environment achha hai, farmers ko fayda hai, lekin common aadmi ki jeb pe asar to hoga hi. Government ko kuch subsidy ya tax relief bhi dena chahiye.
Higher octane rating and better combustion sound good on paper. But as a two-wheeler owner, I'm skeptical about Hero MotoCorp's "similar experiences." My friend's old Splendor already runs hot with E10; E20 might be even worse in traffic. The government should at least allow premium pure petrol as an option for those who want it, even if at higher cost. Choice matters.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.