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The Centre may reconsider its decision to discontinue E10 petrol as discussions are reportedly underway on offering the lower-ethanol fuel alongside E20. The proposal is particularly aimed at older vehicles that were designed to run on petrol containing up to 10% ethanol. However, no final decision has been taken yet, and the discussions are still at an early stage. The development comes days after Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran supported the idea of making E10 petrol available for older vehicles. He argued that consumers should have the option of using E10 while the country continues its transition towards higher ethanol blending.

 

E10 petrol contains 10% ethanol blended with 90% petrol, while E20 contains 20% ethanol and 80% petrol. India achieved its 20% average ethanol-blending target in 2025-26, earlier than the original 2030 target. The government has promoted higher ethanol blending to reduce crude oil imports, lower emissions and provide additional income opportunities for farmers. Under the proposal being discussed, E20 would not be withdrawn. Instead, E10 could potentially be made available as an additional option, especially for older vehicles that were developed for lower ethanol blends.

The transition to E20 has triggered concerns among owners of older petrol vehicles regarding fuel efficiency, drivability and compatibility with certain components. According to the report, a significant share of vehicles on Indian roads were not originally designed for E20. Nageswaran has specifically highlighted older two-wheelers equipped with carburettor-based systems and components such as rubber seals that may not be designed for higher ethanol concentrations. He suggested that E10 could remain available while a retrofit programme is developed for such vehicles. The government, however, has maintained that there is no evidence of widespread engine damage caused by E20. It has said that the fuel underwent extensive testing and validation before its rollout.

Making both E10 and E20 available would require oil companies to manage separate storage, transportation and dispensing arrangements. Government officials have previously raised concerns that maintaining multiple petrol grades could increase infrastructure, distribution and handling requirements. In July, the Petroleum Ministry had clearly stated that there was no proposal to return to E0 or E10 petrol, maintaining that E20 had been scientifically validated and accepted following extensive testing. The latest discussions therefore represent a possible shift in the government's earlier position.

 

For now, motorists should note that E10 petrol has not officially returned. The government is reportedly examining whether it can be offered alongside E20, with older vehicles being a key consideration. A final decision will depend on the outcome of discussions involving the government, automobile manufacturers and fuel industry stakeholders.