Jagran Correspondent, New Delhi: Amid rising fuel prices driven by the ongoing conflict in middle east crisis, Delhi has introduced its first ethanol-blended special petrol, known as E-85.
This special fuel contains up to 85 percent ethanol, compared to regular petrol, which currently contains up to 20 percent ethanol. Notably, E-85 is priced lower than CNG. For now, it will be available at seven fuel stations across the national capital.
Where Is E-85 Petrol Available?
E-85 petrol has initially been rolled out at select fuel stations in Anand Vihar, Pusa Road in Karol Bagh, Nizamuddin, and a few other locations. However, the fuel is not intended for conventional vehicles and can only be used in specially designed E-85-compatible vehicles.
Auto-Companies Begin Introducing E-85 Vehicles
E-85 vehicles are designed to run on a fuel blend comprising 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent petrol. At present, such vehicles are virtually absent from Delhi's roads, as automobile manufacturers have only recently begun launching models compatible with the new fuel.
On Friday, Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri launched the special fuel at an Indian Oil outlet on Pusa Road. Speaking at the event, Puri said that the government plans to expand E-85 availability to 500 fuel stations by the end of this year and to 5,000 stations by next year.
ALSO READ: India's Oil Exports Fall To Lowest Since 2022; Not Because Of Fuel Price Hike
Cheaper Than CNG
While CNG was priced at Rs 83.09 per kilogram in Delhi on Friday, E-85 petrol was available at Rs 82.12 per litre.
According to a petrol pump operator, dedicated infrastructure, including separate storage tanks, dispensing units, and pipelines, has been installed for E-85 fuel. Companies such as Hindustan Petroleum and Bharat Petroleum will also supply the fuel.
ALSO READ: Indian Oil Launches E85 Fuel In Delhi; To Cost Rs 20 Less Than Petrol; Check Price
Wider Expansion Expected as Demand Grows
According to petrol pump operators, as the number of E-85-compatible vehicles increases, demand for the fuel is expected to rise, leading to wider availability at more fuel stations.
The fuel is also expected to provide a boost to farmers. Ethanol is produced from sugarcane and agricultural residues, creating an additional source of income for the farming community.
Experts claim that the use of E-85 fuel can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 61 percent, making it a cleaner alternative to conventional fuels.