Is E20 Petrol Attracting Ants? Government Says Insect Repellent Is Added to Ethanol-Blended Petrol
The Indian government and BPCL refuted viral claims that E20 petrol attracts ants due to sugar residue. Officials clarified that the distillation process eliminates all residual sugars, and the fuel contains denaturants that actively repel insects. The blending program has saved the country over INR 1.4 lakh crore in foreign exchange.
The Central Government has dismissed widespread social media claims alleging that India’s mandated E20 petrol attracts ants and other insects to vehicle fuel filler caps. Following the circulation of viral videos suggesting that the fuel retains sugar residue from agricultural feedstocks, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, alongside state-run oil marketing companies like Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), issued a scientific clarification to reassure consumers that the fuel contains no properties that attract pests.
Scientific Breakdown of E20 Fuel
Responding directly to online videos showing insects near vehicle fuel tanks, authorities clarified that the biochemical processing of fuel-grade ethanol completely alters its characteristics compared to raw materials like sugarcane juice, molasses, or maize. Official statements noted that the industrial purification stages isolate the fuel from organic residues entirely. Tehseen Poonawalla Shares Video of AG Calling E20 Petrol Policy ‘Experiment’ in Supreme Court After Govt’s Denial.
Don't Fall for the Ragebait About E20 Petrol, Says Petroleum Ministry
Seen some wild claims about #E20 petrol on your feed lately? @PetroleumMin has a clear message: Don't fall for the ragebait.
✳️Fuel-grade ethanol used for petrol blending is produced through fermentation and distillation processes that eliminate residual sugars from the final… pic.twitter.com/iuCOEoS1IM
— PIB India (@PIB_India) July 3, 2026
According to the official clarification, fuel-grade ethanol used for petrol blending is produced through fermentation and distillation processes that eliminate residual sugars from the final product. Furthermore, officials pointed out that the additives blended into the mixture act as a deterrent rather than an invitee for pests. Further, the government said that fuel ethanol contains denaturants that are repellent to insects. "There is no identifiable attractant associated with E20 fuel that would cause ants or other insects to congregate around vehicle fuel caps," the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas stated.
Macroeconomic and Agricultural Impact
The government’s response also underscored the broader necessity of the transition, noting that the national energy ecosystem remains anchored in rigorous testing rather than unverified digital claims. Since its phased implementation and expansion across all states, the blending initiative has yielded substantial fiscal and rural benefits. The Petroleum Ministry said that the Ethanol Blending Programme has helped the country save over INR 1.4 lakh crore in foreign exchange through reduced crude oil imports. "The programme has also created sustained demand for agricultural feedstocks used in ethanol production, thereby supporting farmers' incomes and strengthening the rural economy," the statement added. Does E20 Petrol Attract Ants? BPCL Calls Viral Claims ‘Baseless’ in Fact Check.
Technical Safety and Monitoring
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas reiterated that the nationwide rollout of E20 fuel - comprising 20 per cent ethanol and 80 per cent conventional petrol - was executed following extensive technical evaluations with vehicle manufacturers, fuel testing bodies, and automotive engineers. To date, the government reports no confirmed instances of engine malfunctions or component breakdowns linked to the standardised fuel blend. In addition, officials noted that the strong hydrocarbon odour of conventional petrol remains the dominant scent even after blending, completely masking any alternative odours.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 03, 2026 01:50 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
