Gadkari Explains Pure Petrol Availability As Drivers Weigh E20 Fuel Options Across India

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has defended the government's ethanol-blending programme, saying motorists who do not wish to use E20 petrol have the option of purchasing 100% petrol, albeit at a higher price. His remarks come amid continuing debate over the nationwide rollout of ethanol-blended fuel and concerns from some vehicle owners about its impact on mileage and older engines. Speaking in an interview, Gadkari said consumers are free to choose conventional petrol if they are unwilling to use ethanol-blended fuel.

“People who do not want ethanol-blended fuel can go for 100% petrol, but they will have to pay more,” he said. The statement comes as India accelerates the adoption of E20, a fuel containing 20% ethanol and 80% petrol, as part of its strategy to reduce dependence on imported crude oil and promote cleaner energy. The government has consistently maintained that E20 petrol is safe for compatible vehicles and plays an important role in improving energy security while reducing carbon emissions. Officials acknowledge that some vehicles may experience a marginal drop in fuel efficiency when running on E20 but have said there is no conclusive evidence that the blend causes engine damage when used in vehicles designed or approved for it.

Automakers have also been introducing E20-compatible models in line with the government's phased implementation plan. However, concerns persist among owners of older vehicles, many of whom report lower mileage or worry about the long-term impact of higher ethanol content on engine components, fuel lines and seals. These apprehensions have prompted some motorists to look for alternatives to E20, particularly fuels with little or no ethanol content.

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In practice, the alternative mentioned by Gadkari is not widely accessible to the average motorist. While 100% petrol or near-pure petrol is available in India, it is largely sold as high-octane premium fuel, such as Indian Oil's XP100, Bharat Petroleum's Speed 97, and similar premium offerings from other oil marketing companies. These fuels are priced significantly higher than regular petrol and are available only at select fuel stations, primarily in major cities.

As a result, most motorists have limited practical options if they wish to avoid E20 petrol. Standard petrol sold across the country increasingly contains ethanol under the government's blending programme, making ethanol-free fuel difficult to find outside premium retail outlets. Availability also varies considerably depending on location, with many rural and smaller urban areas lacking access to premium-grade fuels altogether. India's ethanol-blending initiative is a key component of its broader energy policy, aimed at lowering crude oil imports, supporting domestic sugarcane and grain producers, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The government has steadily increased the ethanol blending percentage over the years and has set ambitious targets to expand the programme nationwide. Officials argue that the policy benefits both the environment and the economy by reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels. For motorists, the debate ultimately comes down to cost, compatibility and availability. While Gadkari has reiterated that consumers can opt for 100% petrol if they prefer, the higher price and limited supply of premium fuels mean that E20 petrol remains the primary and, for most drivers, the only practical option available at fuel stations across India.

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