E20 Gasoline Series: What Is XP100, Is It Really Ethanol Free And Can You Use It In Your Vehicle?

Indian Oil’s XP100 premium gasoline has come under the spotlight due to some motorists’ concerns about using E20 fuel, including claims of reduced mileage, potential damage to older engine components and faster wear.

XP100 has a 100-octane rating and is 100% ethanol-free, unlike regular gasoline and premium fuels such as XP95, which contain ethanol blends. Launched in December 2020, the XP100 is primarily intended for high-performance vehicles, including supercars, luxury sedans and superbikes.

Under the government’s Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) program, E20 fuel contains 20% ethanol and 80% gasoline. While the Center and automakers, citing a report by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), say E20 is safe for compatible vehicles, some consumers have expressed concerns online about its impact, especially on older vehicles.

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As a result, some owners of classic and older cars are exploring ethanol-free alternatives such as the XP100. According to Autocar India, XP100 may be a suitable, if significantly more expensive, option for such vehicles as it avoids the potential corrosive effects associated with ethanol.

Why is the government promoting gasoline with ethanol?

Quick answers to key questions

•5 QUESTIONS

E20 fuel is a blend of 20% ethanol and 80% gasoline, while XP100 is a premium fuel that is 100% ethanol-free and has an octane rating of 100.

Concerns arise because E20 fuel can cause reduced mileage and potential damage to older engine components that are not designed for higher ethanol content.

XP100 improves engine performance, fuel consumption and handling thanks to its excellent anti-knock properties and higher octane rating, which is particularly beneficial for high-end luxury cars and superbikes.

Upgrading to XP100 is suitable for owners of older vehicles as it protects against the corrosive effects of ethanol and increases engine performance, although it is generally a more expensive option.

Mixing XP100 with 91 octane fuel will result in a higher octane rating resulting in smoother engine running and better performance compared to using only 91 octane.

The government is promoting ethanol-blended gasoline to reduce tailpipe emissions, reduce oil imports and improve India’s energy security.

According to CarDekho, premium fuels such as Indian Oil’s XP95, Hindustan Petroleum’s Power95, Bharat Petroleum’s Speed97 and Shell V-Power now contain 20% ethanol. The XP100 remains one of the few ethanol-free petrol variants available in India.

According to Indian Oil, XP100’s “superior anti-knock properties improve engine performance, provide faster acceleration, improve fuel economy, improve handling and extend engine life.”

The company says the fuel is made using high-octane gasoline produced with Octamax technology and is designed to maximize performance in high-compression engines.

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Some frequently asked questions about the XP100

In Delhi, the current price is XP100 ₹167.35.

What happens if the vehicle has 91 octane but is fueled with XP100?

According to Indian Oil, XP100 will not damage 91 Octane compatible vehicles; instead, it will ensure smooth engine running and improved fuel economy, emissions and acceleration. It is important to note that the full benefits of the XP100 will be realized when used in the appropriate engine configuration (ie with a higher compression ratio).

What happens when 91 and 100 octane fuels are mixed?

“The resulting octane fuel after blending will not harm the vehicle or the engine in any way. The performance of the vehicle will be smoother compared to 91 octane as the octane of the resulting fuel in the vehicle would be higher than 91,” Mumbai-registered and New Delhi-based OMC said in a statement on its official website.

What would happen if I went back to 91 octane or lower after using XP100?

After using XP100, returning to conventional 91 or lower octane fuel will not “damage the engine” as most vehicles are designed to run on fuel with a minimum octane rating of 91. Indian Oil has suggested that using XP100 in a vehicle cleans the fuel system and engine parts for the limited time it is used.

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Will using the XP100 while under warranty cause problems with the original equipment manufacturer (OEM)?

“All the fuel brands (regular fuel, XtraPremium and XP100) sold at IndianOil outlets meet the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) – IS2796-2017 and hence the OEMs are honored when it comes to engine warranty. The octane number of XP100 exceeds the BIS standard and provides much better gas burn compared to OIS fuel in Indian standard,” he said.