Flex Fuel Revolution: A Cost-Effective Alternative to Petrol
With rising fuel prices, India is now shifting towards ethanol-blended petrol (Flex Fuel) as an economical and sustainable alternative. Several automakers have already launched Flex Fuel-compatible vehiclesincluding two-wheelers and four-wheelers. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkarihas been actively promoting the use of ethanol and flex fuel across the country.
Flex fuel is essentially a blend of petrol and ethanol or methanolwhich makes it cheaper and more eco-friendly than conventional petrol. The government aims to increase the ethanol blend in fuel from 20% (E20) to 50% (E50) by 2025making fuel significantly more affordable for consumers.
What is E20 Fuel?
E20 fuel is a blend of 20% ethanol and 80% petrol. Ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol (C₂H₅OH)is a biofuel produced through the fermentation of sugar-based crops.
India has introduced the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) program to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and encourage the use of sustainable biofuels. The number 20 in E20 represents the percentage of ethanol mixed with petrol.
Key Highlights of E20 Fuel:
Contains 20% ethanol + 80% petrol Cheaper than regular petrol Eco-friendly – reduces carbon emissions Boosts fuel efficiency in compatible vehicles Will be upgraded to E50 (50% ethanol blend) by 2025
With ethanol production increasing, fuel costs are expected to decline furtherbenefiting consumers across India.
How Much Will You Save with E20 Fuel?
Jio-BP, India’s first company to introduce ethanol-blended petrolhas provided a cost breakdown of E20 fuel compared to conventional petrol.
Cost Analysis of 1 Liter E20 Fuel (Delhi Prices):
| Component | Cost Per Liter | Contribution to E20 Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol (80%) | ₹96/liter | ₹76.80 |
| Ethanol (20%) | ₹55/liter | ₹11.00 |
| Total E20 Fuel Price | – | ₹87.80 |
Total Savings: ₹8.20 per liter compared to regular petrol!
Key Benefits of E20 Fuel:
Lower fuel costs for consumers Reduces dependence on fossil fuels Promotes a cleaner, greener environment Encourages the use of flex-fuel vehicles
With the transition to E50 fuel (50% ethanol mix) by 2025the cost savings are expected to increase even further, bringing significant economic benefits to vehicle owners.
Flex Fuel Vehicles in India – A Growing Trend
India’s leading automobile manufacturers have already introduced flex-fuel compatible vehiclesmaking them widely available across two-wheeler and four-wheeler segments. As more automakers adopt this technology, fuel costs will become more affordableand the country’s dependence on imported petroleum will reduce.
Government’s Initiative for Flex Fuel Adoption
Ethanol blending targets: 2023: 20% ethanol (E20) introduced 2025: Target to increase to 50% ethanol blend (E50)
The introduction of higher ethanol blends will further reduce fuel pricesmaking travel cheaper for millions of Indians.
