Updated on - 09 Feb 2026
At every Indian petrol station, drivers get two options: regular petrol and the premium version marketed as power, extra or performance petrol. Both fuels come from the same crude oil base, but they differ in octane rating, detergent content, price and the way they interact with engines. Some manufacturers strongly recommend premium petrol for specific models, while most cars are optimised for normal fuel. Choosing correctly matters for cost, performance and long-term engine health.
In this blog, we explain and compare normal and power petrol.
What is power petrol?
Power petrol is a premium-grade fuel with a higher octane rating than standard petrol and often includes detergent additives. In India, premium variants such as HPCL Power (93 RON), IOCL XP95 (95 RON) and BPCL Speed 97 (97 RON) are available. Shell also sells V-Power, positioned as premium but without a disclosed octane figure. Higher octane fuels reduce knocking in high-compression engines and support smoother performance.
Advantages of using power petrol
Some of the significant benefits of using power petrol, especially for vehicles designed with high-performance engines, are:
- Reduces engine knocking – It resists premature ignition, preventing engine knocking and protecting engine components.
- Improves engine smoothness – It can enhance the overall operation of high-performance engines.
- Reduces deposits in fuel injector and valve – Many premium fuels contain additives that help reduce carbon deposits on fuel injectors and intake valves, maintaining engine efficiency.
- Slightly better fuel efficiency in compatible engines – In engines designed for high-octane fuel, power petrol can improve combustion efficiency, potentially offering better mileage.
- Enhances performance – Vehicles with high-compression engines can benefit from improved acceleration and optimal power output.
For standard engines, the benefits of power petrol may be minimal. Always check your vehicle manufacturer’s fuel recommendations before using premium fuel.
Impact of power petrol on engine performance
The effect of premium petrol is not the same for every engine. For some vehicles, the difference is crucial, while for others it is negligible.
High-performance cars
Luxury sedans, turbocharged hatchbacks and sports bikes often require octane above 91 RON. Using normal petrol in these can cause noticeable knocking and reduced power.
Mass-market cars
Most Indian hatchbacks, SUVs and commuter bikes run optimally on 91 RON. For these, upgrading to premium does not produce significant gains in power or fuel economy.
Longevity of components
Engines running on power petrol may show fewer issues with clogged injectors, rough idling or valve deposits after years of usage compared to those always running on normal fuel.
Efficiency in hot climates
In high ambient temperatures common across India, the knocking risk increases. Higher octane fuels offer extra margin against knock during long summer drives.
Engine calibration differences
Engines of some cars sold in India are detuned versions of global models. While abroad, they may require 95 RON; In India, they are adapted for 91 RON. In such cases, power petrol may not add value.
When to use power petrol?
Premium petrol is not meant for all situations. It becomes important in specific contexts and conditions.
Cars with the manufacturer's requirement
Always use premium if the owner’s manual specifically states the use of high-octane petrol. Ignoring this can lead to warranty issues and engine damage.
High-altitude driving
At higher altitudes, thinner air affects combustion. Higher octane petrol reduces knocking risk when engines are pushed harder.
Turbocharged vehicles
Turbo engines compress air before combustion, raising cylinder pressure. These engines often benefit from or require higher octane fuels.
Long highway journeys
Continuous high-speed driving on expressways can cause knocking in certain engines. Premium fuel provides a safety margin.
Imported vehicles
Cars imported from countries where 95 RON is standard should be refuelled with premium petrol in India to match their design.
What is normal petrol?
Normal petrol, also known as regular unleaded petrol, is the standard fuel used in most petrol vehicles. It typically has an octane rating of 87–91, depending on regional standards. This fuel is suitable for everyday driving and offers a balance between performance and cost efficiency.
When to use normal petrol?
For most Indian drivers, regular 91 RON petrol is entirely sufficient. Below are clear cases where normal petrol is the sensible option.
Daily commuting
Short urban drives in commuter cars can go perfectly on standard petrol without extra cost.
Cars calibrated for 91 RON
Most Maruti, Hyundai, Tata and Mahindra models are engineered for normal petrol. Premium fuel does not enhance performance in these cases.
Older vehicles
Engines built before widespread premium fuel marketing in India are typically designed for 91 RON, and upgrading to premium offers no additional benefit.
Budget-conscious users
Given the price gap of ₹5–₹10 per litre, sticking with normal petrol saves thousands annually for high-mileage drivers.
Areas with limited availability
In small towns and rural regions where premium is hard to find, regular petrol ensures consistency and avoids switching between grades.
Power petrol vs normal petrol: Key differences
Here are the major differences between the two:
|
Feature
|
Normal petrol (91 RON)
|
Power petrol (93–97 RON)
|
|
Octane rating
|
91
|
93–97
|
|
Engine suitability
|
Most mass-market Indian cars
|
High-performance, turbocharged, imported cars
|
|
Additives
|
Basic detergent level
|
Enhanced detergent and deposit control agents
|
|
Cost per litre
|
Lower (baseline fuel price)
|
Higher
|
|
Availability
|
Widely available in all towns and cities
|
Common in metros, limited in rural stations
|
|
Fuel economy impact
|
Standard efficiency
|
Maintains efficiency in high-end engines
|
|
Risk of knocking
|
Higher in demanding engines
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Lower, especially under heavy load
|
|
Environmental factor
|
E10 (10% ethanol blend) is common
|
Often E5 (5% ethanol), cleaner combustion
|
Cost comparison: Power petrol vs normal petrol
Fuel prices in India fluctuate weekly, but the difference between grades remains consistent. Power petrol is generally more expensive than normal one, with the exact difference varying by location and fuel brand. Filling a tank with power petrol costs noticeably more and the extra expense increases with larger fuel tanks, such as those in SUVs.
Environmental impact: Power petrol vs normal petrol
Normal and power petrols contribute to emissions, but small differences exist in how they perform. CO2 output per litre is nearly identical for both. The difference comes from combustion efficiency, which may be slightly better in engines tuned for premium fuel. Power petrol’s detergents prevent the build-up, and this lowers nitrogen oxides and particulate matter emissions.
Normal petrol in India is largely E10, reducing fossil carbon content. Many premium fuels are E5, which means lower ethanol but slightly higher fossil carbon share.
Both normal and premium fuels meet Bharat Stage VI emission standards, but actual results depend on the vehicle and its fuel calibration.
Common myths about power petrol debunked
Some of the common myths about power petrol are:
Myth 1: Power petrol increases mileage in every car
Fact: Mileage only improves in engines designed to adjust ignition timing with higher octane. For most commuter cars, there is no difference.
Myth 2: Premium petrol instantly improves engine health
Fact: Detergents clean fuel injectors and intake valves gradually. It cannot fix existing mechanical problems or major carbon deposits.
Myth 3: Using normal petrol in luxury cars saves money safely
Fact: Using fuel below the recommended octane risks knocking and can cause engine damage, negating savings.
Myth 4: Premium fuel has more energy
Fact: Octane rating measures resistance to knock, not energy content. Premium petrol does not inherently contain more energy.
Myth 5: All premium fuels are the same
Fact: Premium fuels vary by brand, as different oil companies include different additive packages.
Tips for choosing the right petrol for your vehicle
Follow these tips to get the right petrol for your vehicle:
Check the manufacturer’s recommendation
Always follow the minimum octane rating mentioned in the owner’s manual.
Match fuel with engine type
Turbocharged, high-compression and imported engines need premium petrol. Regular engines run best on normal petrol.
Consider long-term costs
Frequent premium fuel usage without need can cost thousands more annually without a performance benefit.
Use premium occasionally if useful
For cars with direct injection, occasional premium use can help reduce deposit build-up, even if 91 RON is the norm.
Choose reputable fuel stations
Quality of petrol matters. Stick to trusted outlets where fuel adulteration risks are lower.
Conclusion
Power petrol is not a universal solution. In India, it is essential for performance cars, imported vehicles and engines specifically calibrated for higher octane. For the majority of mass-market cars, normal petrol offers the best balance of cost and performance. The choice should always be guided by your vehicle’s manual, not marketing claims. Correct fuel selection protects the engine, saves money and ensures long-term reliability. Just as choosing the right fuel safeguards your engine, maintaining the right car insurance protects your vehicle against accidents, repairs and unexpected costs.
Get personalised car insurance advice and solutions by filling out the form on this page, so your vehicle is fully protected on every drive.
FAQs
1. Can I switch between normal and premium petrol?
Yes, mixing is safe. The resulting fuel will have an average octane rating.
2. Will premium petrol improve mileage in my hatchback?
Unlikely. Most Indian hatchbacks are optimised for 91 RON and using premium petrol shows no efficiency gain.
3. Is premium petrol required for BS6 cars?
Only specific turbocharged or imported BS6 cars demand 95 RON or higher.
4. What happens if I use 91 RON in a car that needs 95 RON?
Knocking, reduced performance and possible long-term engine wear may occur.
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