Petrol mixed with 20% ethanol, but consumers pay full price

At any petrol pump across Ahmedabad and in the state, when a two-wheeler is filled with one litre of petrol, the pump attendant fills 80% (800 ml) petrol and 20% (200 ml) ethanol, as per reports. However, customers are charged the full price for petrol. 

Ethanol is a type of alcohol made from sugarcane or starch-based biomass, with the chemical formula C₂H₆O.

As part of a government initiative, ethanol blending in petrol began in 2014 with 1.53% ethanol, and over the years, it increased to 15% and has now reached 20%. This move has benefited sugarcane farmers with better prices and reduced the country’s foreign exchange expenditure on crude oil imports. However, vehicle users have seen no benefit. Today, petrol in cities is still being sold at ₹94.25 per litre, with no significant price reduction.

Blending ethanol with petrol in two-wheelers creates a major issue, especially during the monsoon season — starting trouble. Aware of this risk, oil companies have put up notice boards at petrol pumps to alert customers. 

For instance, at the HP petrol pump in Gopal Chowk, Rajkot, a notice board states that as per government instructions, oil companies are now blending 20% ethanol with petrol. Therefore, during the monsoon or vehicle servicing, care must be taken to prevent even minimal contact between petrol and water, as this can lead to engine starting issues.

Many petrol pump operators have displayed such notices to avoid customer complaints alleging fuel adulteration or poor quality when two-wheeler owners face starting problems after refuelling.