Post by : Shakul

A viral video circulating across social media platforms has triggered debate about India's E20 fuel programme. The clip shows a group of ants gathered around a vehicle’s fuel filler cap, with users claiming that the insects were attracted because the vehicle was running on E20 petrol.

BPCL Issues Official Clarification

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has now responded to the viral claims and stated that there is no scientific evidence linking E20 fuel to the presence of ants near fuel tanks. The company described the social media claims as misleading and unsupported by facts.

No Sugar Content In Fuel Ethanol

According to BPCL, fuel-grade ethanol used in E20 petrol undergoes fermentation and distillation processes that remove residual sugars. The company explained that the final fuel does not contain elements that could attract insects. In addition, fuel ethanol contains denaturants that are generally considered repellent to insects.

Petrol Odour Remains Dominant

The company further stated that once ethanol is blended with petrol, the dominant smell remains that of conventional petrol hydrocarbons. BPCL noted that there is no identifiable attractant within E20 fuel that would cause ants or other insects to gather around fuel caps or vehicle fuel systems.

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Experts Reject Viral Theory

Industry experts have pointed out that the video provides no direct proof that E20 fuel was responsible for the presence of ants. The vehicle shown in the clip only displayed an E20 compatibility sticker, which indicates that the vehicle can use ethanol-blended fuel but does not prove any connection with the insects.

What Is E20 Petrol?

E20 petrol is a blend containing 20 percent ethanol and 80 percent conventional petrol. The Indian government is promoting its use to reduce dependence on imported crude oil and lower harmful vehicle emissions. Ethanol is typically produced from agricultural sources such as sugarcane and maize.

Transition Towards Cleaner Fuel

Many modern cars and two-wheelers sold in India are designed to operate efficiently on E20 fuel. While older vehicles may require certain adjustments, authorities continue to promote ethanol blending as part of the country's broader clean-energy and emission-reduction strategy. BPCL has reiterated that claims linking E20 fuel with ant infestations have no scientific basis.

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