Choosing the right petrol for your vehicle in India isn't just about reaching the nearest fuel station and filling up. With multiple fuel grades available, each promising different benefits in terms of performance, efficiency, and engine health, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Whether you drive a humble hatchback, a high-performance sedan, or a two-wheeler, understanding the differences between petrol types can help you make an informed choice. In this guide, we break down all the petrol variants available across India, from regular unleaded to ethanol-blended fuel, so you can fuel up with confidence.
Regular Petrol
Regular petrol, commonly known as unleaded or normal petrol, comes with an octane rating of 91 and is extensively used in normal vehicles. It is intended for typical driving, providing a mix of performance and cost-effectiveness. Appropriate for most engines, it guarantees dependable operation without the additional cost of premium fuels. Although it does not have the enhanced characteristics of high-octane variants like XP95, the comparison between normal petrol and power petrol emphasizes that regular fuel is still an efficient and affordable option for everyday use.
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Premium Petrol
Premium petrol is a high-octane fuel, typically rated between 95 and 100, designed for better engine performance and reduced knocking in high-compression engines. It ensures smoother combustion and enhanced efficiency, especially during demanding drives. The petrol is sold with various names depending on the brand. For instance, Indian Oil has XP95 and XP100, Bharat Petroleum has Speed and Speed 97, while Hindustan Petroleum has poWer and poWer95.
Ethanol-Blended Petrol (E10, E20)
Ethanol, chemically known as ethyl alcohol (C2H5OH), is a biofuel produced naturally by fermenting sugars from sources such as sugarcane or other organic materials like food grains. As part of its commitments to reducing carbon emissions, India initiated the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme, which blends this biofuel into petrol to decrease petrol consumption. Previously, India met its E10 target, where petrol contained 10 percent ethanol, and now, fuel stations offer E20 petrol, which includes 20 percent ethanol. In the future, the government intends to raise the ethanol content in petrol.
Previously, while emphasizing the benefits of E20 fuel, the ministry noted that ethanol has a higher octane rating than petrol (108.5 compared to 84.4), indicating that ethanol-petrol mixtures possess a greater octane rating than standard petrol (especially in E20-tuned vehicles). Additionally, the government mentioned that there is only a slight decrease in fuel efficiency.