Different Types of Fuels Used in Vehicles in India

You may have heard about gasoline, LPG, CNG and more. These are the types of fuels that help you continue your long drive. Fuelling your vehicle with the correct oil ensures your vehicle's optimum performance. If you want to learn more about which fuel is a perfect match for your car, this article will answer all your queries.

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Types of Fuels Used in Vehicles
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List of Different Types of Fuels Used in Vehicles

Fuel Type	Best for Vehicles	Average Price Per Litre in Delhi (14th July 2024)
Petrol	4 wheeler cars, bikes	₹94.72
Diesel	Trucks, trains, public buses	₹87.62
CNG	Passenger cars, buses, vans, trucks	₹76.59
Bio-Diesel	Diesel-powered vehicles, and specially manufactured vans, trucks and SUVs	₹69.44 (no recent update available)
Liquid Petroleum Gas	Light-duty biofuel vehicles	₹52.08 (no recent update available)
Ethanol	Used in racing cars. It is blended with gasoline for use in existing on-road vehicles	₹45.69 (C-heavy molasses) ₹57.61 (B-heavy molasses) (no recent update available)
Methanol	Used as a fuel in racing cars, a solvent, and an antifreeze.	₹28.00
Hydrogen ( HFCV & HICEV )	Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles (HFCV) & Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles (HICEV)	₹30048 per MT (Approx. ₹30.05 per kg)
Hybrid ( Plug in & Non Plug In)	Vehicles using both internal combustion engines and electric batteries	Varies based on electricity and fuel prices
Solar Powered	Vehicles equipped with photovoltaic cells	There is no direct cost for fuel; it depends on solar panel and battery costs

10 Different Types of Fuels Used in Vehicles

Here is a brief overview of 10 different types of fuels used in vehicles. Have a look!

1. Petrol

Petrol, also known as gasoline, is one of the most common fuel types for a vehicle. It is transparent and is derived via the fractional distillation of petroleum. It is used in spark-ignited combustion engines and is available in multiple variants.

Let's take a look at its pros and cons –

Pros

It is cost-effective.
Provides optimum acceleration.
Petrol stations are easily available.
Suitable for all types of ranges.

Cons

This fuel emits a high level of toxic gases.
It offers lower mileage than diesel.

Ideal for: 4-wheeler private cars, bikes

Price per litre: It is important to remember that the cost of gasoline differs in each state. Here is the table comprising the respective petrol prices in different Indian cities –

Cities	Petrol Price Per Litre as on 6 Sept, 2021
Kolkata	₹102.08
Mumbai	₹ 107.83
Chennai	₹ 101.49
New Delhi	₹101.84
Bangalore	₹105.25

Click here for real-time petrol pricing for your city/state

2. Diesel

Despite the current scenario, diesel consumption witnessed recovery with a 27% rise. This speaks volumes about the popularity of this fuel. Like petrol, diesel is also obtained from the fractional distillation of petroleum oil that is specially tailored for a diesel engine.

Pros

Offers value-for-money and is efficient for long travels.
Features high torque and delivers excellent performance on express lane.
It offers enhanced acceleration.

Cons

Diesel engines require high maintenance and hence incur whopping expenses.
A diesel engine does not cater to every make and model.

Ideal for: Trucks, trains, public buses

Price per litre: Like petrol, diesel prices differ in each state. Here is a table for your reference –

Cities	Diesel Price Per Litre as on 6 Sept, 2021
Kolkata	₹93.02
Mumbai	₹97.45
Chennai	₹94.39
New Delhi	₹89.87
Bangalore	₹94.86

Click here for real-time diesel pricing for your city/state

3. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)

CNG or Compressed Natural Gas comprises compressed methane less than 1% by volume. It is one of the emerging fuel types for a car in urban areas with the primary objective to reduce pollution.

Pros

It is free from lead and sulphur and is popularly known as "Green Fuel."
Features a high auto-ignition temperature (540 degrees Celsius) and limited flammability range of 5%-15%. It implies that 5%-15% of CNG concentration in the air will not lead to accidental burning, thus, ensuring safety.
It is safe to use as it is stored in certified cylinders, which are leak-proof. Since it is a light gas, it disperses and mixes with the air if it leaks.

Cons

Limited availability of CNG stations, unlike petrol or diesel stations.
It occupies at least 1/3rd of the vehicle's boot space. This makes it difficult for a sedan or other car owners to load the luggage in the cargo space.
A CNG's car performance deteriorates after 3 to 4 years of usage. The engine's optimum performance also decreases by 10% after regular use for one year.
It hampers the functionality of fuel injectors, making them dry quickly. It deteriorates engine performance in the long run.
A CNG-powered vehicle has a lower fuel economy compared to other vehicles.
The cost of conversion from conventional petrol or diesel-powered cars to CNG is high.

Ideal for: It is widely used in passenger cars. Models like Audi A5 2,0 TFSI CNG and BMW 3 Series (E36) can run on CNG. Besides, vans, buses, trucks and more are suitable to run on CNG.

Price per litre: The following table illustrates the costs of CNG in 5 metropolitan cities in India –

Cities	CNG Price Per Litre as on 6 Sept, 2021
Kolkata	₹35.71
Mumbai	₹44.22
Chennai	₹50.1
New Delhi	₹46.60
Bangalore	₹46.60

Click here for real-time CNG pricing for your city/state

4. Bio-Diesel

The mixture of diesel with other oils produces bio-diesel. Converting vegetable oil, animal fat, and waste cooking oil into bio-diesel is known as transesterification. Since it constitutes natural ingredients, it is one of the best alternatives for biofuel.

Pros

Environment-friendly and emits 11% lower carbon monoxide compared to other fuels.
It features lower flashpoints and burns at a higher temperature. The storage of this fuel is simple as there is a lesser risk of sudden ignition.
It is a non-toxic and renewable source of energy and, hence, ensures sustainability.
Helps increase the lifespan of an engine. It acts as a solvent to remove the dirt deposited in the engine and restore its optimum performance, preventing frequent wear and tear.
Vehicle-owners can use it in diesel engines with or without any modifications.
This fuel reduces dependency on foreign countries for oil imports.

Cons

It is not suitable for use in lower temperatures as it is susceptible to gelling. Gelling is a process in which a fuel's paraffin component solidifies and forms a gel-like part in colder temperatures.
Although bio-diesel’s advantages include removing dirt from the engine, this dirt gets clogged into the gasket, leading to damage. It also damages an engine's rubber houses.
The fuel efficiency of a bio-diesel powered vehicle is lower than others. It reduces fuel efficiency by 1%-2%.
It is more expensive than petroleum.
Bio-diesel is made from animal fat, vegetable oil, and the like. It affects food supply and increases the prices of the given products, leading to food shortages.
It has regional restrictions as specific crop productions are not possible in every region.

Ideal for: Diesel-powered vehicles are fit to run on bio-diesel. Specifically manufactured trucks, vans, and SUVs are also approved to run on bio-diesel.

Price per litre: Here are the costs of bio-diesel in each metropolitan city –

Cities	Bio-diesel Price Per Litre as on 6 Sept, 2021
Kolkata	₹71.12
Mumbai	₹70.56
Chennai	₹68
New Delhi	₹69.44
Bangalore	₹67.2

5. Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG)

LPG or Liquid Petroleum Gas is obtained from crude oil and natural gas. It constitutes hydrocarbon gases such as propane and butane.

Pros

The high octane content in Auto LPG ensures a vehicle's optimum performance.
LPG removes the carbon and acids from the engine, extending its longevity.
It saves up to 40% of running costs compared to petrol and is safe from spillage.
It emits 75% less carbon monoxide than petroleum and 60% less carbon dioxide than diesel.
The conversion cost of LPG is affordable compared to CNG.
It features anti-knocking characteristics, facilitating a higher octane number.

Cons

It is heavier than air. Hence, in case of leakage, it creates a suffocating environment.
It has 10% lower fuel efficiency than petrol.
Storage of LPG requires heavy cylinders, which ultimately increases the weight of the engine.

Ideal for: It is suitable for light-duty bio-fuel vehicles. Specific brands like Chevrolet and Maruti Suzuki manufacture LPG-powered cars in India.

Price per litre: Take a look at the costs of Auto LPG in each metropolitan city –

Cities	LPG Price Per Litre as on 6 Sept, 2021
Kolkata	₹51.65
Mumbai	₹37.3
Chennai	₹51.16
New Delhi	₹52.08
Bangalore	₹38.848

Click here for real-time LPG pricing for your city/state

6. Ethanol

Ethanol is produced through the processing of sugars, which are obtained from crops such as corn, sugarcane and others that are regarded as biomass. It can be mixed with gasoline, particularly to reduce emissions.

The blend density of the ethanol has been raised from 10% to 12%, and the blend density prospects are set at 20% by 2025. This move aligns with trends such as the search for renewable energy, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and searching for solutions to the increasing costs of conventional fuels.

Pros

It breaks down into natural compounds and is renewable, thus reducing the use of fossil fuels.
It reduces the amount of air pollution that results from burning fuels.
Ethanol has a higher octane than gasoline and helps improve the performance of the engine and knocking.
Ethanol is less damaging since it is self-degradable.

Cons

Ethanol could affect cars that use pre-ethanol blend designs.
It may lead to corrosion problems in older vehicles.

Ideal for: It is primarily used in racing cars. Also, it is mixed with gasoline in smaller quantities for use in existing on-road vehicles.

Price per litre: The Government has raised the price of ethanol based on C-heavy molasses to ₹49.50 per litre. The cost of ethanol derived from B-heavy molasses is now ₹61.50 per litre as of 2024. This increase is part of the government's efforts to encourage ethanol production and blending as a sustainable alternative to petrol and diesel.

7. Methanol

Methanol, also known as wood alcohol, can be synthesised from natural gas, coal, and biomass. It is being considered as a biofuel due to the prospects of the reduced emission of greenhouse gases and fossil fuel independence.

Pros

Methanol has a high octane number, which brings better combustion, thus contributing to better engine performance.
Methanol leads to reduced emission of hazardous pollutants and greenhouse gases in relation to gasoline.
Methanol, being biodegradable, has a significantly lower environmental impact than other fuels.

Cons

Methanol has significantly less energy as compared to gasoline.
It is flammable, toxic, and corrosive. Hence it requires special attention when storing.

Ideal for: Methanol serves as a viable alternative to diesel for heavy-duty vehicles. It can be incorporated into the gasoline or used as a separate fuel in specific engines set up for its use.

Price per litre: As of 2024, methanol prices in India range from ₹32 to ₹35 per litre. This pricing strategy indicates promoting methanol as a feasible alternative fuel, thereby shifting towards more sustainable energy resources.

8. Hydrogen ( HFCV & HICEV )

Hydrogen fuel is used in two main types of vehicles: Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCVs) and hydrogen internal combustion engine vehicles (HICEVs). In HFCVs, hydrogen is utilised in a fuel cell to generate electricity, while in HICEVs, the hydrogen is combusted in an internal combustion engine.

Pros

HFCVs release zero greenhouse gases or air pollutants into the air besides water vapour.
Fuel cells are used as a power source compared to internal combustion engines, and thus, energy is utilised in the process more efficiently.
One of the great benefits of HFCVs is that they are significantly less noisy than the combustion engine type.

Cons

The challenges of Hydrogen fuel are the costs of hydrogen storage and generation as well as inefficient mechanisms.
Refuelling station networks are not as advanced as the station networks of conventional fuels.
Storage of hydrogen is more expensive than that of other fuels because it requires high-pressure tanks and dedicated transport.

Ideal for: These vehicles are ideal for zero-emission transportation systems and solutions. HICEVs can be a potential mode of Eco-friendly transportation in areas where support facilities for fuel cells are not fully established.

Price per litre: The cost per kilogram of hydrogen fuel in India is presently ₹450-₹500. Efforts are being made to make hydrogen an economically viable fuel in the near future.

9. Hybrid ( Plug-In & Non Plug-In)

Plug-in hybrids rely primarily on the electric battery as the power source. After it runs down, the internal combustion engine takes over. Conventional hybrids, or non-plug-in hybrids, on the other hand, combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor.

Pros

Hybrid cars reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
High fuel efficiency is achievable when using electric power.

Cons

Maintenance and repair can be more complex and expensive.
Battery performance may degrade over time, necessitating replacement.

Ideal for: Hybrids can be the best option for drivers seeking to reduce fuel costs and emissions without reliance on external charging.

Price per litre: Depends on the fuel.

10. Solar Powered

Solar-powered vehicles harness the power of sunlight and convert it into electricity by using photovoltaic cells, which in turn drive an electric motor. These vehicles can either function entirely on solar power or use solar panels to assist in recharging their batteries.

Pros

Solar-powered vehicles are highly eco-friendly as they produce no harmful emissions during operation.
These vehicles reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Once solar panels are installed, they require minimal upkeep, which leads to reduced operational expenses.

Cons

The amount of energy that solar panels generate may constrain the vehicle's range and power.
Solar panels can be less dependable as they are heavily reliant on weather conditions.
Storing solar energy for use when sunlight is not available could be a challenge.

Ideal for: Solar-powered vehicles are ideal for areas with plenty of sunlight and for situations where zero emissions are essential, such as in research facilities and eco-tourism.

Price per Watt of Solar Power: In India, the approximate cost of installing solar power is between ₹40 and ₹50 per watt, including the expenses for inverters, solar panels, and batteries.

Are Electric Vehicles Better than Fuel-based Vehicles?

An electric motor operates an electric vehicle instead of fuel-generating internal combustion. This is a significant replacement of fuel-powered automobiles to address the problems of increasing pollution, global warming, etc.

As of 2021, the Delhi government will install 500 electric charging points across 100 locations under the EV policy. Not only Delhi, but the Union government announced rebates on taxes two years ago for individuals buying electric vehicles.

Pros:

It offers higher efficiency, up to 62%, compared to fuel-powered automobiles.
Zero emissions and reduces pollution.
It provides optimum driving performance along with low maintenance costs.
While keeping in mind the Indian population’s dependency on fuel, electric vehicles will save 10% of CO2 emissions compared to petrol.

Cons:

Take a look at the following disadvantages:

It covers a limited travel distance.
Electric vehicles take approximately 30 minutes to get fully charged.
It is comparatively more expensive than fuel-powered vehicles.

Ideal for: It is usually ideal for areas where an adequate amount of charging stations are available. India plans to set 15,000 charging stations for electric vehicles.

Price: The price of electric cars range from 13.99 lakh to ₹2.04 crores. At the same time, The cost to charge your EV at stations ranges from ₹200 to ₹400.

FAQs about Types of Fuel Used in Vehicles

All

Are ethanol-powered vehicles available in India?

No, although they are not available yet, the Indian Government plans to roll out ethanol-based "flex engines" produced from local farm products.

What are the types of petrol available in India? Which one is suitable for your vehicle?

There are different types of petroleum with octane ratings available in India. These include –

87 octane regular fuel
91 octane BPCL Speed
91 octane IOC Xtra Premium
87 octane + additive HP Power

Automobile experts suggest using petrol based on the manufacturer's specifications to enjoy an excellent driving experience.

Name three fuels used to run vehicles.

Three fuels used to run vehicles are:

Gasoline (Petrol)
Diesel
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)

Which fuels are used for running automobiles?

Automobiles are primarily run on Gasoline (Petrol), Diesel, and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

What is the primary fuel used in the engines of cars?

Gasoline (Petrol) is the primary fuel used in car engines.

Which fuel is used in a bike?

Gasoline (Petrol) is used for bikes.

Which fuel is used in auto rickshaws?

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) or Gasoline (Petrol) can be used in auto rickshaws.

Which gas is used in vehicles?

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) or Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is used in vehicles.

What type of fuel do cars use?

Cars commonly use Gasoline (Petrol), Diesel, or Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

Which fuel is used in trucks?

Trucks mainly run on diesel.

What fuel type is used by the majority of cars in india?

Majority of the cars in India use Gasoline (Petrol) as a fuel.

What is the difference between gasoline and diesel fuel?

Gasoline is lighter and more flammable than diesel and is widely used in cars and motorbikes. Diesel, on the other hand, is more suitable for larger vehicles like trucks and buses.

What are the benefits of using CNG?

CNG is cheaper, produces fewer emissions, and, therefore, is more appropriate from an environmental point of view than gasoline.

Is it possible to run a diesel engine using gasoline?

No, both fuels have different combustion rates and engine demands. Hence, a diesel engine is incapable of running on gasoline.

What are flex-fuel vehicles?

Flex-fuel vehicles are designed to run on a mixture of gasoline and ethanol (typically up to 85% ethanol).

Different Types of Fuels Used in Vehicles in India

Table of Contents

List of Different Types of Fuels Used in Vehicles

10 Different Types of Fuels Used in Vehicles

1. Petrol

2. Diesel

3. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)

4. Bio-Diesel

5. Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG)

6. Ethanol

7. Methanol

8. Hydrogen ( HFCV & HICEV )

9. Hybrid ( Plug-In & Non Plug-In)

10. Solar Powered

Are Electric Vehicles Better than Fuel-based Vehicles?

Key Takeaway

FAQs about Types of Fuel Used in Vehicles

Are ethanol-powered vehicles available in India?

What are the types of petrol available in India? Which one is suitable for your vehicle?

Name three fuels used to run vehicles.

Which fuels are used for running automobiles?

What is the primary fuel used in the engines of cars?

Which fuel is used in a bike?

Which fuel is used in auto rickshaws?

Which gas is used in vehicles?

What type of fuel do cars use?

Which fuel is used in trucks?

What fuel type is used by the majority of cars in india?

What is the difference between gasoline and diesel fuel?

What are the benefits of using CNG?

Is it possible to run a diesel engine using gasoline?

What are flex-fuel vehicles?

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