Lately, many car owners are scratching their heads over one question: With E20 petrol now the norm, is premium fuel still worth it? After all, E20 means petroleum mixed with 20% ethanol, and ethanol is known to attract moisture and possibly lead to corrosion over time. So does that shift the balance in favor of premium—or is regular still good enough?
What Changed with E20?
India’s move to make E20 standard means nearly all petrol now has that 20% ethanol content. For newer cars built with this in mind, it’s generally not a big deal—their fuel systems are designed to cope. But for older vehicles, classic models, or cars not meant for ethanol mixes, the worry is real: over time, ethanol can contribute to rusting in fuel tanks, fuel lines, or injectors.
So yes, the shift to E20 does raise fresh concerns about engine health, durability, and long-term maintenance.
Regular vs Premium Petrol — What’s the Difference Now?
Here’s where things get interesting: With modern standards, regular E20 petrol in many parts of India already gives a 95 RON (Research Octane Number) rating, which is comparable to what used to be labeled “premium” grades like XP95 or Power95. The big differentiator for premium petrol isn’t so much octane anymore, but the additives—detergents, cleaners, and anti-corrosion agents that help keep engines cleaner and running smoother.
Premium (or higher-octane) petrol may also have less or no ethanol, or a higher resistance to knock (especially useful in performance or turbocharged engines). But the downside? It tends to cost significantly more—sometimes ₹ 50–₹ 60 extra per liter.
The trade-off becomes: Is that extra cost worth it for most drivers?
When Premium Makes Sense
There are a few scenarios where opting for premium petrol can be justified:
- High-performance or turbocharged engines: Cars that demand higher compression can benefit from higher-octane fuel to avoid engine knock and extract more performance.
- Vintage or older cars: These may not have been built with ethanol tolerance in mind, so they’re more vulnerable to issues from E20 blends.
- Manufacturer recommendation: If your car’s manual explicitly calls for premium fuel, it’s best not to ignore that.
- Long-term cleanliness: If you drive a lot, frequent use of a fuel with better detergents might keep injectors, valves, and fuel lines cleaner, reducing service costs over time.
Why Regular Still Holds Up for Most
For the vast majority of regular cars on Indian roads:
- The RON level in standard E20 petrol is close to what “premium” once offered, so the performance difference is minimal.
- The additives in premium fuel can be emulated by buying good aftermarket fuel additives and using them periodically.
- The extra cost per liter often doesn’t pay off in benefits—especially if your driving style is gentle and your car doesn’t stress in extreme conditions.
- As long as you maintain your vehicle well (fuel system maintenance, periodic checks), regular petrol is sufficient for most everyday needs.
My Take — What I’d Personally Do
If I were picking for my everyday car, here’s how I’d decide:
- For a modern car that’s ethanol-compatible, I’d stick to regular E20. The extra money for premium feels unjustified unless I notice real performance or smoothness issues.
- For high-performance, turbo, or classic cars—not to mention if the manufacturer suggests high-octane—yes, premium makes sense to protect the engine and optimize output.
- Regardless of which fuel I use, I’d invest in a decent fuel additive every few fills, just as insurance against corrosion, deposits, and moisture.
Premium fuel is not a magic bullet, especially in the age of E20. It has its place, but for most drivers, regular petrol, some care, and smart maintenance still wins.