Indian Oil’s premium XP100 petrol has emerged as a topic of discussion among motorists following concerns raised by some vehicle owners about the use of E20 fuel. Some consumers have questioned whether ethanol-blended petrol could affect mileage, older engine components and vehicle maintenance.
XP100 is a premium-grade petrol with a 100 octane rating and is completely ethanol-free. Introduced in December 2020, the fuel is primarily designed for high-performance vehicles such as luxury cars, supercars and superbikes that require higher octane fuel.
Unlike XP100, E20 petrol contains 20 per cent ethanol and 80 per cent petrol under the government’s Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme. The government and automobile manufacturers have maintained that E20 is safe for vehicles designed to support the fuel blend, based on testing and recommendations from the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI).
However, some owners of older vehicles have expressed concerns about possible mileage changes and compatibility issues due to higher ethanol content. This has led some classic car and older vehicle owners to consider ethanol-free alternatives such as XP100.
Indian Oil says XP100 is developed using high-octane gasoline produced through its Octamax technology. The company claims that the fuel’s superior anti-knock properties can improve engine performance, acceleration, fuel economy and driving experience, especially in high-compression engines.
Premium fuels such as XP95, Power95, Speed97 and Shell V-Power are now available with ethanol blends, making XP100 one of the limited ethanol-free petrol options in India.
The government continues to promote ethanol blending to reduce dependence on imported crude oil, lower emissions and strengthen energy security.
XP100 Fuel Price and Compatibility
In Delhi, XP100 is priced at around ₹167.35 per litre. Indian Oil states that using XP100 in vehicles designed for 91 octane fuel will not damage the engine and may offer smoother operation due to its higher octane rating.
The company also says that mixing XP100 with regular 91 octane fuel will not harm the vehicle. The resulting fuel will have a higher octane rating, which can support smoother engine performance.
Returning to regular petrol after using XP100 is also considered safe, as most vehicles are designed to operate on minimum 91 octane fuel.
Indian Oil has clarified that XP100 sold through its outlets meets Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) requirements and is accepted by vehicle manufacturers for warranty purposes.
While XP100 provides an ethanol-free alternative for specific vehicle owners, experts suggest that motorists should choose fuel based on their vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations and engine requirements.
