BPCL CMD says mulling E10 petrol option, then walks back
“We are looking into various related aspects but nothing has been finalised yet,” said the chief of the oil marketing company that is the leading coordinator for the ethanol blending programme. However, a few hours later, amid growing scrutiny, he claimed that he had been misquoted. “His response is being misquoted to suggest as if E10 is being considered as an option, which is not correct, it…
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd chairman and MD Sanjay Khanna had mentioned on Thursday that the company was considering the option of offering consumers E10 petrol alongside the existing E20 blend, but later walked back the statement. The comment was contrary to the government's position. "We are exploring various related aspects but nothing has been finalized yet," Khanna stated.
However, a few hours later, he claimed that he had been misquoted. BPCL posted on X that the CMD had said, "there is no proposal to replace the existing E20 blended petrol with E10, after the company's AGM." The government has no plans to introduce E10 fuel, according to a ministry official. Large-scale field experience with millions of vehicles operating on E20 fuel for over three years has not shown any evidence of engine damage or other concerns.
E20 contributes to reducing pollution, promoting rural prosperity, and saving foreign exchange, BPCL stated. BPCL continues to support the national ethanol blending program and remains committed to ensuring fuel quality. The petroleum ministry was surprised by Khanna's remarks made at a news conference after the company's AGM. A senior ministry official said that "there have absolutely been no discussions in the govt on the matter."
The government had previously stated that there were no plans to introduce E10 fuel. Khanna said that details were being worked out on the form or extent of lower ethanol-blended petrol that could be brought in and the associated logistics. He clarified that there was no plan to replace E20 with E10, adding, "One of the options being explored is whether we can have E10 fuel for older vehicles."
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