E10 Petrol Considered for Return, BPCL Says Existing Infrastructure Can Be Used
New Delhi: The possibility of bringing E10 petrol back is being considered, with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL) Chairman and Managing Director Sanjay Khanna saying that the existing infrastructure can be used to dispense the lower ethanol blend. However, no final decision has been taken yet, Mint reported.
Khanna said on Thursday that oil marketing companies (OMCs) are ready to supply petrol containing up to 10% ethanol through the existing distribution network. This would avoid the need for additional infrastructure. The consideration of E10 comes after Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran supported the availability of a lower ethanol blend option.
Ethanol Blending Plan
The plan is focused on making E10 petrol available alongside E20, with discussions centered around providing E10 petrol for older vehicles. The exact form and extent of the proposed arrangement are still being worked out at different levels. The ethanol blending programme is aimed at reducing India’s dependence on crude oil imports.
Oil Supplies Remain Safe
Khanna also spoke about India’s oil supply situation amid the ongoing war in West Asia and the United States’ plans to impose additional tariffs on countries importing Russian energy. He said that although the situation remains volatile, India’s oil supplies are currently “safe”. BPCL Director (Finance) Vetsa Ramakrishna Gupta confirmed that the company had made crude oil arrangements for September and was procuring supplies for October.
Gupta said BPCL would receive its first Iraqi oil cargo of the current financial year in the next few days. The company is also willing to purchase more oil from suppliers in the Gulf on a free on board basis, subject to the availability of ships. Iraq has traditionally been one of India’s major oil suppliers. However, supplies from the country have been severely affected by the war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Gupta said BPCL was willing to lift oil cargoes from within the Strait of Hormuz if insurance costs remained reasonable and ship owners were prepared to accept the associated risk. The company is taking steps to ensure a stable supply of crude oil for its customers.
Original Article: E10 petrol may return alongside E20, BPCL says existing infrastructure can be used — Chinimandi