India Explores E10 Petrol Reintroduction Amid E20 Concerns

The Indian government is exploring the reintroduction of E10 petrol, a fuel with a 10% ethanol blend, to address growing consumer concerns about the impact of the current E20 fuel on older vehicles. This potential shift comes even as the government maintains that no final decision has been made and highlights the significant logistical challenges of offering multiple fuel grades nationwide. The discussion has intensified following an opinion piece co-authored by Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran, who argued that restoring a lower-ethanol option alongside E20 would protect millions of older vehicles and calm public anxiety. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd Chairman and Managing Director Sanjay Khanna confirmed that the option of providing E10 for older vehicles is being pursued, but stressed that no concrete decision has been taken. He clarified that his earlier remarks were not a declaration that E20 would be replaced, but rather an acknowledgment that the issue is under active debate.