New Delhi, February 26, 2026 — The Government of India has mandated the nationwide sale of 20% ethanol-blended petrol — popularly known as E20 petrol — containing up to 20 percent ethanol and a minimum Research Octane Number (RON) of 95, effective April 1, 2026. This directive was issued through a notification by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
Under the order, oil marketing companies must supply ethanol-blended petrol nationwide, meeting the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specifications. The government has also retained the flexibility to grant temporary exemptions for specific regions or under special circumstances.
Policy Goals and Benefits
The E20 blending mandate is part of India’s Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme, which aims to reduce the country’s dependence on crude oil imports, promote cleaner fuels, cut carbon emissions, and support the agriculture sector by increasing demand for ethanol produced from crops such as sugarcane, maize and other feedstocks.
Officials say the policy also encourages domestic ethanol production, offering a stable market for farmers and helping the country meet its renewable energy objectives. Many vehicles manufactured from 2023 onwards are reported to be compatible with E20 fuel, though older vehicles may notice a slight impact on fuel efficiency.
Fuel Quality and Compliance
The requirement for a minimum RON of 95 ensures that the fuel meets performance standards and helps protect engines from knocking — a condition where fuel ignites prematurely in the engine, reducing power and efficiency. Ethanol itself naturally has a high octane rating, which enhances fuel performance when blended with petrol.
Ethanol Blending in India
India’s ethanol blending policy — launched to diversify energy sources — originally targeted a 20 percent ethanol blend in petrol by 2025 under the National Biofuel Policy and the EBP Programme. The mandate brings this goal into force nationwide, marking a major step in the country’s clean energy transition.