E10, sometimes called gasohol, is a fuel mixture of 10% anhydrous ethanol and

90% gasoline that can be used in the internal combustion engines of most modern
automobiles and light-duty vehicles without need for any modification on the engine
or fuel system. E10 blends are typically rated as 2 to 3 octane higher than regular
gasoline and are approved for use in all new US automobiles, and are mandated in
some areas for emissions and other reasons.[1] The E10 blend and lower ethanol
content mixtures have been used in several countries, and its use has been
primarily driven by the several world energy crises that have taken place since the
1973 oil crisis.

The first commercial sale point of ethanol-mixed petrol E-10 or Bio fuel has been inaugurated
in Pakistan by Prime Minister’s Adviser for Petroleum Dr Asim Hussain accompanied by
Minister for Industries Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo. Ethanol-mixed fuel will be sold at Rs2.4
per liter less than regular petrol. Bio fuel is environment friendly also. Government was not
giving subsidies on bio-petrol, but it is cheaper because of tax rebate.

Initially, petrol pumps in Islamabad and Rawalpindi would sell petrol mixed with 10 % Ethanol
(the same type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages. It can be used as a fuel, mainly as a bio
fuel), adding that its country-wide sale would commence soon.It is part of the government
strategy to promote alternate energy resources. It is a high-Octane fuel and is more economical
then the petrol we are using currently. It will soon reach six major cities Islamabad, Lahore,
Karachi, Faisalabad, Quetta, Peshawar and Sukkur.

The annual production of ethanol mixed fuel is 4, 00,000 tons and it will generate revenue of 4
billion per annum. It was first used in ford cars, in 1908.

Bio-petrol sale would result in an annual saving of $96 million and in the first phase, 20 pumps
would start selling E-10 by August 14 this year. Ethanol-mixed petrol was being used in more
than 16 countries but it is hard to counter those who want to add more than 10% of ethanol to
save more money. Government should tighten the policy and make sure to deliver the best to
cope with inflation as well as pollution.

FROM PSO WEBSITE

E10 PSO’s E-10 is a blend of ethanol and gasoline, which consists of 10 percent
ethanol dissolved in normal gasoline. E-10 has tested positive to produce less
carbon- mono-oxide emissions that help reduce pollution in the environment. The
high level of octane present in E-10 improves the vehicles’ engine performance and
prevents engine knock. Another advantage of E-10 is its ethanol content, that is
primarily plant fuel, derived from organic compounds, which acts like a cleaner
solvent and ensures longer life of the engine. Moreover, E-10 offers extra mileage
and drivability per litre of fuel consumed.

E-10 fuel is now available at selected PSO retail outlets in all major cities and towns
of Sindh and Punjab and Azad Kashmir. PSO’s launch of E-10 Fuel will serve as a
cost- relief to the inflation stricken masses, as it offers price economy/saving of Rs.
2.50 per liter than normal unleaded motor gasoline. The widespread use of the eco-
friendly fuel will also help the country reduce its dependency on imported gasoline.