E20 Petrol Worries Are Changing What Indians Put In Their Cars

Concerns surrounding ethanol-blended E20 petrol have encouraged more Indian motorists to choose premium fuel variants, according to industry data reported by Mint.

Dealers have observed a significant rise in demand for high-octane petrol as consumers look for better vehicle performance and mileage.

The share of premium petrol sales has reportedly increased to around 12-15 per cent from nearly 4 per cent in March.

Dealers said sales at some retail outlets have grown almost threefold as motorists increasingly opt for branded and higher-octane fuels.

Premium petrol typically costs around ₹110-115 per litre, compared with approximately ₹102 for regular petrol.

Products such as XP95 from Indian Oil, Speed and Speed 97 from Bharat Petroleum, and Power95 from Hindustan Petroleum fall within the premium category.

Despite the higher price, consumers are showing greater willingness to pay for fuels with higher octane ratings and additional additives.

The concern stems from the belief that ethanol-blended petrol could affect fuel efficiency or engine longevity.

Industry representatives have argued that the mileage difference remains negligible because both regular and premium fuels contain 20 per cent ethanol.

Demand for Octane 95 has reportedly risen from around 4-5 per cent earlier to nearly 15 per cent. Fuel dealers have received more enquiries about Octane 100.

The government has maintained that E20 petrol is safe for compatible vehicles and has not identified significant performance-related concerns.

The growing preference for premium petrol indicates that consumer perceptions are influencing purchasing decisions.

The shift could further reshape India’s fuel market as motorists weigh price, mileage, engine performance and confidence in ethanol-blended petrol.

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