Six different fuels are available that can be used in vehicles in India. The correct oil must be used in the vehicle to obtain optimal performance. Depending on the type of vehicle, the fuel that must be used will vary. Fuel prices will be different as well.
The six different fuels that are used in the country are mentioned below:
- Methanol or Ethanol
- Using the fuel is safe as the flammability is low
- Coal and natural gas can be used to manufacture the fuel.
- The vehicle may get damaged over a period of time as Methanol or Ethanol is corrosive.
- The fuel economy will be low.
- Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG)
- The octane number is high.
- LPG prices are low when compared to several other fuels.
- Significantly lesser carbon dioxide is emitted by LPG when compared to diesel.
- Significantly lesser carbon monoxide is emitted by LPG when compared to petrol.
- LPG-powered vehicles last longer.
- Heavy cylinders are required to store LPG. The engine’s weight will increase due to this.
- The mileage that will be provided by using this fuel is low when compared to petrol.
- When compared to air, LPG is heavier. This can cause suffocation in the case of leakage
- Bio-Diesel
- The fuel may be used in diesel vehicles.
- The engine’s lifespan is increased.
- Sustainability is ensured as the fuel is non-toxic.
- The process to store the fuel is easy.
- High temperature is needed to burn the fuel.
- The flashpoints are low.
- The carbon monoxide that is emitted is low.
- The fuel is environment-friendly.
- When compared to petrol, the fuel is expensive.
- The mileage will be low.
- The fuel can’t be used in low temperatures.
- Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
- The fuel is also called Green Fuel as no sulphur or lead is present.
- Safety is ensured as accidental burning does not occur.
- The gas is light. In the case of any leakages, the gas mixes with the air.
- The mileage will be low.
- CNG vehicles may be expensive.
- Engine performance may be reduced as fuel injectors may dry quickly.
- The car’s performance may decrease over a period of time.
- The number of CNG stations that are present is low.
- Diesel
- Acceleration is enhanced in diesel-powered vehicles.
- Higher torque is produced.
- You can save money in the long run.
- Diesel cannot be used across all models.
- The maintenance is high.
- Petrol
- Several petrol stations are present in the country.
- Cost-effective.
- Good acceleration is provided.
- When compared to diesel, the mileage offered by petrol is low.
- Toxic gases are emitted by the fuel.
The nitrogen dioxide and carbon dioxide that is emitted by Methanol or Ethanol are not significant. Racing cars use this type of fuel. The fuel is added in small quantities in gasoline and can be used in on-road vehicles.
Some of the main advantages and disadvantages of using the fuel are mentioned in the table below:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
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Natural gas and crude oil are used to obtain LPG. Butane and propane are the main constituents of the fuel. Certain manufacturers offer cars that are LPG powered in the country. LPG is used in light-duty bio-fuel automobiles.
Some of the pros and cons of using LPG in automobiles are mentioned in the table below:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
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LPG prices across the major cities in India are mentioned below:
| City | Price/Litre (January 2023) |
|---|---|
| Chennai | Rs.62.83 |
| Mumbai | Rs.63.08 |
| Kolkata | Rs.58.15 |
| New Delhi | Rs.62.83 |
When diesel is mixed with other oils, bio-diesel is produced. Bio-diesel can be used in Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs), vans, and trucks that are specifically manufactured to use the fuel.
Some of the advantages and disadvantages of using the fuel are mentioned in the table below:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
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CNG is used in several cars in the country. Compressed methane is present in the fuel. Passenger cars, trucks, buses, and vans use this fuel.
Some of the advantages and disadvantages of using CNG are given in the table below:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
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CNG prices across the major cities in India are mentioned in the table below:
| City | Price (January 2023) |
|---|---|
| Bengaluru | Rs.85.00 |
| Mumbai | Rs.89.50 |
| New Delhi | Rs.79.56 |
| Hyderabad | Rs.95.00 |
| Meerut | Rs.90.00 |
Over the years, diesel-powered vehicles have become very popular. Diesel is used in public buses, trains, trucks, and cars.
Some of the main pros and cons of using diesel in automobiles are given in the table below:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
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Diesel prices across the major cities in India are mentioned in the table below:
| City | Price/Litre (January 2023) |
|---|---|
| Delhi | Rs.89.62 |
| Mumbai | Rs.94.27 |
| Kolkata | Rs.92.76 |
| Chennai | Rs.94.24 |
Gasoline or petrol is the most common among all fuels that are used in India. IC engines use petrol and several variants are available. Petrol is mainly used in bikes and cars.
Some of the main advantages and disadvantages of using petrol in vehicles are mentioned below:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
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Petrol prices across the major cities in India are mentioned in the table below:
| City | Price/Litre (January 2023) |
|---|---|
| Delhi | Rs.96.72 |
| Mumbai | Rs.106.31 |
| Kolkata | Rs.106.03 |
| Chennai | Rs.102.63 |
FAQs on Types of Fuels
- Are petrol prices revised on a daily basis in India?
- Who revises fuel prices in India?
- Will the prices of petrol be the same across all the cities in India?
- Are diesel prices revised on a daily basis in India?
- Will the prices of diesel be the same across all the cities in India?
Yes, petrol prices are revised on a daily basis in India.
State-run Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) revise fuel prices in India.
No, petrol prices will not be the same across all the cities in India.
Yes, diesel prices are revised on a daily basis in India.
No, diesel prices will not be the same across all the cities in India.
