Bhubaneswar: Where to find ethanol-free petrol? This is one question bugging every motorist with vehicles manufactured before 2023.Seeking clarity on pure petrol, they say widespread availability of E20 fuel has left them with little choice. Many owners of ageing motorcycles, vintage vehicles and petrol-powered equipment claim conventional petrol is either unavailable or difficult to locate at most filling stations. The resulting confusion has fuelled concerns about engine performance, maintenance costs and long-term compatibility.“I ride a 12-year-old motorcycle and have always used regular petrol. Nowadays, we only hear about E20, but nobody clearly tells us where ethanol-free petrol is available. Consumers should at least have the option to choose,” says Suresh Behera, an IT sector employee from Patia.Owners of the older vehicles say they are not opposed to ethanol blending but want greater clarity. “Many people like me are not against ethanol blending, but we own older vehicles and are concerned about maintenance costs. If pure petrol is still available, fuel stations should display that information clearly,” says Ranjan Mohanty, a resident of Laxmi Sagar.At several fuel stations in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, attendants say customers frequently enquire about pure petrol. Most say they are unaware of any nearby outlets selling ethanol-free fuel. “We get such queries regularly, especially from owners of old bikes, generators and lawn equipment. We can only sell the fuel supplied to us,” says Sarthak Jena, a fuel station manager in Bhubaneswar.Experts say the concerns stem partly from a lack of awareness about fuel compatibility. S K Mishra, an automotive engineering expert, says older engines may respond differently to ethanol-blended fuel. “Most modern vehicles are being made compatible with higher ethanol blends. However, users of vintage vehicles and engines often prefer conventional petrol because of their storage characteristics,” he says.Industry stakeholders, however, underline the benefits of ethanol blending, including lower dependence on imported crude oil and support for the domestic biofuel sector. An official associated with an oil marketing company says fuel supplied to retail outlets is distributed as per govt norms and approved fuel specifications.The issue, in the meantime, has sparked wider discussions among motorists’ associations in Odisha, which are seeking clearer information on fuel composition and availability. “Consumers are not protesting against E20. They simply want transparency and reliable information about what fuel is available and where. They should know what is suitable for their vehicles,” says Rakesh Patnaik, a member of a local motorists’ association.
