The debate over E20 petrol has continued. While some support higher ethanol blending, others have raised concerns about its impact on older vehicles, mileage and engine performance.
Now, the government is considering another option for owners of older vehicles: bringing back E10 petrol, which contains 10 percent ethanol.
What is the government's plan?
The government is considering a proposal to make E10 petrol again. One option is converting premium petrol into E10 fuel. However, no final decision has been taken yet.
BPCL Chairman and Managing Director Sanjay Khanna recently spoke about the proposal during a virtual press conference after the company's Annual General Meeting. He said selling E10 petrol would not require separate infrastructure. He also indicated that there are no major supply challenges for providing E10 fuel. This could make the option easier to implement if the government moves ahead.
No final decision yet
Discussions between the government and oil companies are continuing. The exact plan will become clear only after a final decision.
The Petroleum Ministry told Parliament in July that there was no plan to bring back E0 or E10 petrol. However, reports of initial discussions between the government and industry emerged in August. Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran also spoke about offering E10 as an option for older vehicles.
Why is E10 being considered?
Petrol across the country is now largely E20, containing 20% ethanol. While ethanol blending can reduce dependence on imported crude oil and support domestic ethanol production, owners of older vehicles have raised concerns about compatibility, lower mileage and engine issues.
An E10 option could give these owners another choice, especially those whose vehicles were designed before E20 became widely available. It could also reduce concerns among consumers who feel they have limited fuel choices for their older vehicles.
What could customers get?
It is still unclear how E10 petrol would be sold. One possibility is E10 as 95-octane premium petrol. Another option is regular E10 petrol at a lower price for everyday customers.
If E10 is sold only as premium fuel, older vehicle owners may get compatibility benefits but could have to pay more. If regular E10 is available, consumers may get a cheaper alternative.
For now, E10 remains a proposal, not a confirmed policy. The final decision will determine whether Indian motorists get a genuine alternative to E20 today.