E20 Fuel Under the Scanner: BPCL Debunks Viral ‘Ants in Fuel Tank’ Claim

New Delhi: A viral social media video showing ants swarming around a car’s fuel filler cap has sparked widespread concern among vehicle owners, with many users claiming that India’s newly introduced E20 petrol is attracting insects due to its ethanol content. However, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has firmly rejected the claim, describing it as scientifically baseless and urging consumers not to fall for misinformation circulating online.  The controversy erupted after a video began circulating on social media platforms showing a large number of ants gathered near a vehicle’s fuel cap. Since the vehicle carried an E20 compatibility sticker, several users quickly linked the presence of ants to ethanol-blended petrol. The claim gained traction amid ongoing public discussions about E20 fuel, which became the standard petrol blend across India as part of the government’s ethanol-blending programme.  Responding to the viral speculation, BPCL issued an official clarification stating that there is no scientific evidence whatsoever to suggest that E20 petrol attracts ants or any other insects. The company explained that fuel-grade ethanol used in petrol blending undergoes extensive fermentation and distillation processes that eliminate residual sugars from the final product. As a result, the ethanol used in E20 fuel contains no sugar content that could attract ants.  BPCL further noted that fuel ethanol contains denaturants—chemical additives specifically designed to make ethanol unsuitable for consumption. According to the company, these denaturants are actually repellent to insects rather than attractive. The oil major also pointed out that once ethanol is blended with petrol, the dominant hydrocarbon smell of petrol overwhelms any inherent ethanol odour, leaving no identifiable scent capable of attracting ants.  Another important aspect highlighted by BPCL is that ethanol-blended petrol typically produces lower fuel vapour emissions than conventional petrol. This means there is no increased release of vapours that could serve as an attractant for insects. Based on these characteristics, the company concluded that claims linking E20 fuel with ant infestations have “no scientific basis” and should be treated as misinformation.  The clarification has also been echoed by independent fact-checking agencies and government-backed information channels. The Press Information Bureau’s fact-check unit similarly dismissed the viral claim, stating that there is no evidence connecting E20 fuel with ant attraction and advising citizens to rely on verified information rather than unverified social media posts.  The incident comes at a time when E20 fuel is receiving increased public attention. E20 consists of 20 percent ethanol blended with 80 percent conventional petrol. The policy forms a key component of India’s strategy to reduce dependence on imported crude oil, lower carbon emissions, support domestic agriculture, and strengthen energy security. Ethanol used for blending is primarily produced from sugarcane, maize, and other agricultural feedstocks, which has occasionally led to misconceptions that the fuel contains sugar or sugary residues. In reality, the refining process removes such components before the fuel reaches consumers.  Automobile experts note that the presence of ants around a vehicle can result from numerous unrelated factors, including food residues, environmental conditions, moisture accumulation, or nesting behaviour. Without a detailed examination of the vehicle shown in the viral video, attributing the phenomenon solely to E20 fuel is scientifically unsound.  The episode highlights the growing challenge of misinformation in the digital age, where isolated videos can quickly generate widespread concern about new technologies and government initiatives. As India continues its transition toward cleaner and more sustainable fuel alternatives, experts stress the importance of relying on scientific evidence and verified sources rather than viral claims. For now, BPCL’s message is unequivocal: E20 petrol does not attract ants, contains no residual sugar, and remains safe for use in compatible vehicles. The viral video may have sparked curiosity and concern, but according to both fuel experts and official fact-checkers, the science simply does not support the claim.