New Delhi: The Government of India has mandated the nationwide sale of petrol blended with 20 per cent ethanol, carrying a minimum Research Octane Number (RON) of 95, effective April 1. The directive was issued through a notification by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas as part of the country’s accelerated ethanol blending programme.
Under the new rule, oil marketing companies will be required to supply E20 fuel across all States and Union Territories in compliance with specifications prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Standards. The move standardises fuel quality across the country while advancing the transition towards higher ethanol blending. The government has retained the authority to grant limited exemptions in specific circumstances if required.
The policy aligns with India’s strategy to reduce crude oil imports and promote cleaner, domestically produced biofuels. Ethanol, largely derived from sugarcane and grain-based feedstock, is expected to support the agricultural sector while contributing to lower transport emissions. A significant share of vehicles manufactured in recent years is already designed to be compatible with E20 fuel, easing the nationwide rollout.
