Buying premium variant for more mileage? Know how ethanol levels differ from regular petrol to XP100

Many motorists pay extra for premium petrol believing the higher price means purer fuel with little or no ethanol. In reality, most petrol sold in India—including premium variants—now follows the E20 standard, containing 20% ethanol. The key difference between regular and premium fuels is their octane rating, not the amount of ethanol they contain.

For motorists concerned about fuel efficiency, engine performance or compatibility, it is worth knowing what each fuel actually offers.

Know how ethanol levels differ from regular petrol to XP100

Regular petrol sold by oil marketing companies across India is blended with 20% ethanol under the government's E20 programme. The same applies to nearly all premium petrol variants.

Indian Oil Corporation's (IOCL) XP95 contains 20% ethanol despite its premium positioning. Bharat Petroleum's (BPCL) Speed 97 also follows the E20 standard, as do Hindustan Petroleum's (HPCL) Power 95 and Power 99. Private retailer Shell has likewise transitioned its V-Power petrol to a 20% ethanol blend.

Although these fuels have higher octane ratings that can improve combustion, deliver smoother engine operation and reduce knocking, they do not contain less ethanol than regular petrol. For most motorists, paying more for these fuels does not mean avoiding ethanol blending.

Indian Oil's XP100 is the only widely available petrol variant in India that contains no ethanol. The 100-octane fuel remains the sole mainstream option with 0% ethanol content.

XP100 is often preferred for older vehicles because the absence of ethanol helps reduce moisture-related corrosion. However, it remains a niche product due to its limited availability and price of more than ₹160 per litre.

What this means for motorists

For anyone choosing between regular and premium petrol, ethanol content is no longer the deciding factor. With the exception of XP100, all major petrol variants—including XP95, Speed 97, Power 95, Power 99 and Shell V-Power—contain a 20% ethanol blend.

The premium price pays for a higher octane rating and the associated performance benefits, rather than a reduction in ethanol content.