BPCL Denies Viral Claim That E20 Petrol Attracts Ants, Says It Is Not Scientifically Proven

A viral social media video claiming that E20 petrol attracts ants has prompted Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited ( BPCL ) to issue an official clarification. The video, which has been widely shared online, 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 the reason behind it.

The clip has led many users to believe that the ants are attracted by the ethanol content in the fuel. However, BPCL has dismissed the claim, stating that there is no scientific evidence linking E20 petrol with insect attraction.

Ants in Fuel Filler

The short clip circulating on social media shows a colony of ants near the fuel filler cap of a car. It is worth mentioning that the video does not show the entire vehicle. However, it specifically shows the E20 fuel sticker on the lid, indicating that the car is compatible with ethanol-blended fuel. While the origin of the video is not known, it has been widely circulated, with social media users believing the claim and further disseminating the information.

BPCL’s Clarification

Addressing the claim, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited has issued a clarification, saying, "BPCL has examined the claims circulating on social media regarding ants congregating around vehicle fuel filler caps and their alleged association with E20 petrol.

Fuel-grade ethanol used for petrol blending is produced through fermentation and distillation processes that eliminate residual sugars from the final product. Further, fuel ethanol contains denaturants, which are repellent to insects.