The widely circulated video shows a cluster of ants gathered around a car's fuel filler cap and suggests that the presence of ethanol-blended fuel in the tank is responsible for attracting the insects. The clip has triggered widespread speculation, with many social media users believing that the ethanol content in E20 petrol was drawing ants to vehicles.
Responding to the claims, BPCL dismissed the allegations and clarified that fuel-grade ethanol used for petrol blending undergoes fermentation and distillation processes that eliminate residual sugars from the final product. The company stated that the ethanol used in fuel also contains denaturants, substances that are generally repellent to insects.
According to BPCL, once ethanol is blended with petrol, the characteristic hydrocarbon smell of petrol remains dominant. The company further noted that ethanol-blended petrol produces lower fuel vapour compared to conventional petrol. It emphasized that there is no identifiable component in E20 fuel capable of attracting ants or other insects to a vehicle's fuel cap.
"Claims suggesting a link between E20 fuel and ant attraction have no scientific basis," BPCL said in its statement, adding that the allegations circulating on social media are baseless and unsupported by evidence.
The clarification comes at a time when India is steadily expanding the use of ethanol-blended fuels to reduce dependence on imported crude oil and lower vehicular emissions. E20 petrol consists of 20 per cent ethanol and 80 per cent conventional petrol. Ethanol is a biofuel typically produced from agricultural sources such as sugarcane and maize.
BPCL's statement seeks to counter misinformation surrounding E20 petrol as the country continues to promote cleaner and more sustainable fuel alternatives. The company has reiterated that the viral claims lack scientific backing and should not be treated as credible evidence against ethanol-blended fuel.
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