The Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) rolled out M15 petrol on a pilot basis in Assam’s Tinsukia district.

About M15 Petrol:

• M15 is a blend of 15 % methanol and 85 % Petrol.
• It helps lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by about 5 to 10%. Blending 15% methanol in petrol would bring down GHG emissions by 20% in terms of particulate matter, NOx, and SOx, thereby improving the urban air quality.
• Coal reserves and municipal solid waste can be converted into methanol.
• It helps in achieving fuel independence and reducing the import burden. Blending of 15% methanol in petrol can result in at least a 15% reduction in the import of crude oil.

Methanol economy

• According to NITI Aayog, Methanol Economy will create close to 5 million jobs through methanol production/application and distribution services. Additionally, Rs 6000 crore can be saved annually by blending 20% DME (Dimethyl Ether, a derivative of methanol) in LPG. This will help the consumer in saving between Rs 50-100 per cylinder.