Ethanol-free Speed 100 at Rs 169/L finds buyers in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: Amid the ongoing debate over ethanol blending in petrol, ethanol-free premium fuel, marketed as Speed 100, is attracting customers at select petrol pumps in Bengaluru. Priced at Rs. 169 per litre, the fuel has reportedly been available at certain outlets for the past two to three months.

The premium petrol is mainly being used by owners of high-end vehicles, including Audi and Lamborghini cars. However, some ordinary motorists are also opting for it amid concerns over the impact of 20 per cent ethanol-blended petrol on vehicle engines.

Petrol pump owner Ram Gopal said his outlet sells around 400 litres of ethanol-free petrol every day. According to him, customers who are worried about possible engine-related problems due to ethanol blending are increasingly choosing the premium fuel.

He said some motorists were also switching to the product in the hope of getting better mileage. High-end cars are among the regular users of this fuel, he added.

The availability of ethanol-free petrol comes at a time when concerns have been raised by vehicle owners over the increased ethanol content in regular petrol. Questions about engine compatibility and performance have triggered discussions among motorists.

Meanwhile, petrol pumps are increasingly conducting real-time ethanol and density tests to address customer concerns about fuel quality. These tests are being carried out to check the composition and purity of petrol and identify possible adulteration.

Density testing is generally conducted before fuel is unloaded at petrol stations. The process helps verify whether the fuel meets prescribed quality standards. With questions being raised about ethanol blending, some outlets are also undertaking additional checks and providing information to customers.

The availability of premium ethanol-free fuel, however, remains limited to select outlets, and its price is considerably higher than regular petrol.

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