Types of Fuels: 6 Different Types of Vehicle Fuels Used in India

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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 –

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 –

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 –

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 –

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	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

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

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

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

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

Different Types of Fuels Used in Vehicles in India

Top 6 Types of Vehicle Fuels Used in India

1. Petrol

2. Diesel

3. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)

4. Bio-Diesel

5. Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG)

6. Ethanol or Methanol

List of Different Types of Fuels Used in Vehicles

Electric Vehicles

Frequently Asked Questions

Are ethanol-powered vehicles available in India?

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

Important Articles about Petrol in India

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Fuel Type	Best for Vehicles	Average Price Per Litre in Delhi (6th Sept-2021)
Gasoline	4 wheeler cars, bikes	₹101.84
Diesel	Trucks, trains, public buses	₹ 89.87
CNG	Passenger cars, buses, vans, trucks	₹44.23
Bio-Diesel	Diesel-powered vehicles, and specially manufactured vans, trucks and SUVs	₹69.44
Liquid Petroleum Gas	Light-duty bio-fuel vehicles	₹52.08
Ethanol or Methanol	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)