PANAJI: E20 petrol has become widely available across Goa, with 90 fuel stations operated by the three major oil marketing companies currently dispensing the ethanol-blended fuel, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant told the state Legislative Assembly on Monday, The Times of India reported.
Sawant provided the information in a written response to a question from Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira on the availability and sale of E20 petrol in the state.
The outlets are operated by Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL).
While the government is promoting awareness about E20 compatibility, Sawant said Goa’s petrol pump dealers are not specifically mandated to put up prominent warnings stating that the fuel may not be suitable for vehicles that have not been designed or certified for E20.
HPCL, however, has directed its dealers to display awareness signage at retail outlets in accordance with applicable guidelines. Public-awareness campaigns are also being conducted by the state government and oil marketing companies to inform motorists about vehicle compatibility with ethanol-blended petrol.
The state has also reported no violations during inspections of fuel outlets. Over the past three years, BPCL carried out 530 inspections, IOCL 346 and HPCL 333. No violations were detected during these checks, according to the Chief Minister.
The Department of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs also inspected fuel outlets 31 times during the period and reported no violations.
For motorists looking for petrol without ethanol, options remain limited. Two IOCL outlets -Heera Petroleum in Panaji and COCO Verna — sell XP100, a premium petrol that does not contain ethanol.
With E20 now available at 90 stations, Goa has seen a broad rollout of higher ethanol-blended petrol, while the state and oil companies continue efforts to improve consumer awareness about fuel compatibility.
