Patna: Petrol pumps across Patna are currently offering only two types of petrol—E20 and premium-grade fuel—with no separate supply of unblended petrol, according to petroleum dealers and oil marketing company officials.
Industry representatives said they have not received any instructions from petroleum companies to stock or sell petrol without ethanol blending. As a result, consumers in the city can choose only between E20 petrol and premium petrol, both of which contain ethanol.
Ethanol-Blended Fuel Continues To Be Supplied
Officials from the Petroleum Dealers Association said the existing fuel supply system provides only E20 and premium petrol to retail outlets in Patna.
They added that no fresh directions have been issued regarding the supply of petrol without ethanol blending.
Officials from petroleum companies also said both fuel variants currently available contain ethanol, and there has been no change in the government’s supply policy.
Ethanol Blending Policy
The Centre has increased ethanol blending in petrol in phases over the past several years, beginning with blends of 5% and 10% before introducing E20 fuel, which contains up to 20% ethanol.
The policy aims to reduce India’s dependence on imported crude oil, promote cleaner fuel and create additional demand for agricultural produce used in ethanol production.
Older Vehicle Owners Raise Concerns
The wider adoption of E20 fuel has prompted discussions among some owners of older vehicles and automobile experts about its long-term compatibility with ageing engines.
Suresh Sharma, who operates a motorcycle repair workshop in Patna, said vehicle owners should use the type of fuel recommended by the manufacturer.
“The best fuel for any vehicle is the one specified by the manufacturer on the fuel cap, in the owner’s manual or on the company’s website,” he said.
According to him, BS-VI-compliant vehicles are designed to operate on E20 petrol, while older vehicles may be better suited to petrol with lower ethanol content. However, he said he had not observed any significant problems associated with E20 during the past one-and-a-half years of its use.
No Separate Supply Of Plain Petrol
Petroleum dealers said that, until new directions are issued by oil marketing companies, consumers in Patna will continue to have only E20 and premium petrol as fuel options.
Officials said no guidelines have been issued regarding the separate sale of plain petrol, and the current supply arrangement remains unchanged.
