IndiaBhutan has declined an offer from Indian oil companies to supply E20 petrol, citing concerns related to its aging fuel storage infrastructure and the potential risks associated with ethanol-blended fuel. The decision follows growing controversy in India over the E20 mandate, which has led to complaints from drivers about reduced fuel efficiency and increased vehicle maintenance costs. Bhutan relies entirely on India for its fuel supply but has opted to continue receiving conventional petrol due to fears that E20 could cause fuel dilution and corrosion in its underground storage tanks. Officials explained that ethanol’s hygroscopic nature increases the risk of water absorption, leading to long-term damage to fuel systems and vehicle performance.
Bias read (Center): The article presents both the technical reasons for Bhutan's refusal and the broader context of India's E20 policy, including public concerns in India. It avoids overtly favoring either side, focusing on factual explanations rather than ideological framing.
