For the past few years, India has been pushing hard towards adopting alternative fuels and reducing its dependency on imported crude oil. One of the most talked-about initiatives is the rollout of E20 petrol, which is a blend of 80% petrol and 20% ethanol. On paper, this looks like a revolutionary step — it’s designed to reduce carbon emissions, cut down fuel imports, and boost ethanol demand that directly benefits Indian farmers.
But there’s a rising question among common people: If E20 petrol contains only 80% petrol, why are we still paying the same price as regular petrol? Shouldn’t the price be lower since 20% of the mix is ethanol, which is significantly cheaper to produce compared to crude oil-based petrol? This is where many start suspecting that the promotion of E20 might not be as transparent as it seems.
What Exactly is E20 Petrol?
E20 petrol is a bio-fuel blend that combines petrol with 20% ethanol. Ethanol is produced mainly from sugarcane, corn, and other agricultural byproducts. Since it is renewable and can be made domestically, it reduces India’s heavy reliance on costly imported crude oil.
The government aims to achieve 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025, which is expected to bring environmental benefits such as:
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Lower carbon monoxide and greenhouse gas emissions
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Better utilization of agricultural waste and surplus sugarcane
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Reduced oil imports, saving foreign currency
Clearly, the move has its environmental and economic advantages. But the problem arises when the pricing factor is discussed.
Why Isn’t E20 Cheaper?
If ethanol is cheaper than petrol, why does E20 cost almost the same as pure petrol? That’s the question millions of Indian drivers are asking. Some key points that fuel this debate:
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Ethanol Production Cost vs. Petrol Cost
Ethanol is indeed cheaper to produce compared to petrol. However, blending, logistics, and distribution costs are factored in by oil companies. Critics argue these costs do not justify why E20 is not significantly cheaper. -
Government Revenue from Fuel
A big part of fuel pricing in India is taxation. Both the central and state governments heavily rely on fuel tax revenue. Lowering the price of E20 could mean losing significant tax income, which is why the price difference is kept negligible. -
Consumer Awareness
Many customers are not even aware that they are using E20 petrol. Unlike other countries where ethanol-mixed fuels are priced lower, in India the lack of transparency in pricing makes consumers suspicious.
Does E20 Affect Vehicle Performance?
Another point of concern is fuel efficiency. Several studies and consumer experiences show that vehicles may experience a 2–3% drop in mileage when running on E20 compared to regular petrol. This is because ethanol has a lower energy density than petrol.
So, not only are customers paying nearly the same price, but they may also end up refueling more often, leading to higher costs in the long run.
The Bigger Picture: Green Move or Hidden Scam?
The government highlights E20 petrol as a green step towards sustainability, but consumers view it through a different lens. From their perspective, they are paying the same for a product that has less petrol and offers lower mileage.
If the goal is truly to encourage bio-fuels and reduce dependency on crude imports, then the pricing of E20 should reflect the cheaper component of ethanol. Making it more affordable would:
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Increase acceptance among consumers
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Encourage faster adoption
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Showcase transparency in policy
Until then, many will continue to suspect that E20 petrol is less of a green revolution and more of a subtle way to maintain high fuel revenue while reducing crude oil dependence.
Conclusion
E20 petrol has potential benefits for the environment, the economy, and farmers, but the pricing policy raises valid concerns. Without proper transparency and fair pricing, E20 risks being seen as a hidden scam rather than a step towards a cleaner future.
👉 What do you think? Should the government lower the price of E20 petrol, or is the current pricing justified?
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