Confused About Petrol? You’re Not Alone

Many car owners in India are talking about ethanol-blended fuel. A lot of people are worried about fuel efficiency going down and the damage ethanol might cause to their engines. So, the big question is this: should you switch to ethanol-free high-octane petrol like IndianOil's XP100, which costs ₹160 per litre?

What is XP100 Petrol?

XP100 is IndianOil’s premium, ethanol-free petrol with a 100 octane rating. It’s designed to offer better performance, smoother acceleration, and possibly better mileage. But let’s be clear. XP100 is not meant for your regular hatchback or sedan. This is fuel for high-performance or luxury cars that need a higher octane rating.

What Indian Oil Says About XP100

According to IndianOil, XP100 gives you faster acceleration, smoother driving, better fuel economy, fewer engine deposits, and cleaner emissions if your car has a high-compression engine. It can improve vehicle performance and extend engine life with lower maintenance needs. Sounds great, but only if your car is designed for it.

Understanding Octane Numbers

The octane number (like 91, 95, 99, 100) is basically a measure of how well the fuel can prevent engine knocking. High-octane petrol works better in high-performance engines because it resists knocking under pressure. But using high-octane petrol in a regular engine that doesn’t need it won’t magically boost performance. It might just burn a hole in your wallet.

What is Ethanol-Blended Petrol? E5, E10, E20

Ethanol-blended fuel is regular petrol mixed with ethanol. It's supposed to be better for the environment by reducing tailpipe emissions. Most new cars in India are now compatible with E10 or E20. The downside? You may notice a drop in real-world mileage. But even with that drop, it’s still cheaper than XP100.

Is Ethanol Fuel Bad for My Car?

Not if your car is compatible with it. The only thing to be careful about is that ethanol tends to absorb moisture. If you leave your car unused for too long, that moisture can cause corrosion in the fuel system. It can damage parts like the fuel pump, injectors, and even cylinder walls in extreme cases.

Tips to Use Ethanol Fuel Safely

First, don’t leave E20 sitting in your tank for weeks. Drive your car regularly. Second, use fuel additives only if your car manufacturer approves them. These additives can help clean the fuel system. And third, keep up with your car’s maintenance. It matters more than what fuel you use.

Should You Pay ₹160/litre for XP100?

If your car’s manual doesn’t mention high-octane fuel, skip it. The real-world gains in mileage or performance are too small to justify that cost. E20 may give slightly less mileage, but it’s still far more economical overall. Focus on proper car care and follow what your OEM recommends. That’s the best way to protect your engine without burning extra cash.

FAQs: 

Is XP100 petrol good for all cars?

No. XP100 is mainly for high-performance or luxury cars with high compression engines. If your car doesn’t need it, you’re just wasting money.

Will XP100 improve my car’s mileage?

Not necessarily. Unless your car is designed for high-octane fuel, you won’t see major mileage gains. For most cars, the benefit is negligible.

Can I use XP100 occasionally and E20 the rest of the time?

Switching between fuels occasionally won’t damage your car, but always check what your car's manual recommends. Mixing too much can cause inconsistency in performance.

Why is E20 fuel cheaper than XP100?

Because E20 is blended with ethanol, which is cheaper than pure petrol. XP100 is a premium, ethanol-free high-octane fuel so it comes at a price.

Does ethanol-blended petrol damage the engine?

If left unused for long, E20 can absorb moisture and cause corrosion. But if your car is E20-compatible and regularly maintained, there’s no major risk.

How can I protect my engine if I'm using E20?

Drive the car regularly, avoid letting fuel sit for weeks, and ask your service center about fuel additives. Most importantly follow the car’s maintenance schedule.

Is XP100 worth ₹160/litre?

Only if your car genuinely needs it. If not, the price is too high for the minimal benefits. Stick to what your car’s OEM recommends.