Does E20 petrol attract ants due to sugar residue? Here's what you need to know

India made the sale of E20 petrol—fuel blended with 20% ethanol and 80% conventional petrol—mandatory across all states and Union Territories from April 1, 2026. Since its nationwide rollout, the fuel has been the subject of widespread discussion online, with users debating its benefits and drawbacks.

Recently, a viral social media video claimed that E20 petrol contains sugar residue and attracts ants around vehicle fuel filler caps. However, state-owned Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has categorically rejected these claims, calling them "baseless" and lacking any "scientific basis."

BPCL Dismisses Viral Claims

In a statement posted on X, BPCL said it had examined the allegations linking E20 petrol to ant activity around fuel caps and found no evidence supporting the claim.


According to the company, fuel-grade ethanol used in petrol blending is produced through fermentation and distillation processes that remove residual sugars from the final product. As a result, ethanol blended into petrol does not contain sugar residues that could attract insects.

BPCL further explained that fuel ethanol contains denaturants—chemical additives that make ethanol unsuitable for human consumption. These denaturants are also known to repel insects.


The company added that the characteristic hydrocarbon smell of petrol remains dominant even after ethanol blending, masking any inherent ethanol odour. Moreover, ethanol-blended petrol generates lower fuel vapour compared to conventional petrol, leaving no identifiable attractant for ants or other insects.

"As a result, there is no identifiable attractant associated with E20 fuel that would cause ants or other insects to congregate around vehicle fuel caps," BPCL stated.

Why the Claim Is Scientifically Incorrect

The viral posts suggested that because ethanol is derived from sugar-based feedstocks such as sugarcane, traces of sugar remain in the fuel and attract ants. However, BPCL clarified that the distillation and purification process removes these sugars completely before the ethanol is blended with petrol.

The company emphasized that neither the ethanol nor the final E20 fuel blend contains ingredients that would attract insects. Therefore, claims linking ant activity to E20 petrol are not supported by scientific evidence.

What Is Ethanol Blending?

Ethanol, or ethyl alcohol (C₂H₅OH), is a biofuel produced by fermenting sugars obtained from sugarcane, maize, and other agricultural feedstocks.

Under the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme, India mixes ethanol with petrol to reduce crude oil imports, lower carbon emissions, and improve energy security. The country has already achieved its E10 target, under which petrol contains 10% ethanol. It is now moving towards wider adoption of E20 fuel as part of its clean energy transition strategy.

Why Is India Increasing Ethanol Blending?

India is one of the world's largest importers of crude oil. During 2020-21, the country imported around 185 million tonnes of petroleum products at a cost of approximately $55 billion.

By increasing ethanol blending, the government aims to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, support domestic agriculture, and cut greenhouse gas emissions. According to government estimates, a successful nationwide E20 programme could help India save nearly $4 billion (around Rs 30,000 crore) annually in foreign exchange.