The central government has ordered that petrol blended with up to 20% ethanol (E20) and carrying a minimum Research Octane Number (RON) of 95 must be sold across all states and Union Territories from April 1, 2026. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas issued the directive in a notification dated February 17, 2026, requiring oil companies to meet the new specification by the deadline.
“The central government hereby directs that oil companies shall sell ethanol-blended motor spirit (petrol) with percentage of ethanol up to 20 per cent as per the Bureau of Indian Standards specifications and having minimum Research Octane Number (RON) of 95, in states and the Union Territories,” the notification stated.
The notification allows for limited exceptions: authorities may grant temporary or region-specific relaxations in special circumstances. Oil firms will be expected to follow BIS standards for blend and quality while implementing the change.
The move aims to cut India’s crude oil imports, reduce vehicular emissions and boost demand for domestic agricultural produce such as sugarcane, maize and other grains used to produce ethanol. Ethanol is renewable, produced locally, and burns cleaner than pure petrol.
Ethanol typically has a high octane rating (around 108 RON), so adding 20% ethanol raises a fuel’s resistance to engine knock. That is why the government has specified a minimum RON of 95 — to ensure engine safety and maintain performance when vehicles run on E20.
Industry officials say most vehicles manufactured in India from 2023 to 2025 onwards were designed to operate on E20, so widespread problems are not expected. Older vehicles, however, may experience a modest drop in fuel efficiency — commonly estimated at about 3–7% — and could face gradual wear in certain rubber or plastic parts not originally rated for higher ethanol content.
For consumers and fleet operators, the change means petrol stations will increasingly supply E20 meeting BIS and RON‑95 standards from April 1, 2026; vehicle owners of older models should check manufacturer guidance on compatibility and consider inspections of fuel-system components where needed.
Original Source: https://www.guwahatiplus.com/india/centre-mandates-nationwide-sale-of-e20-petrol-with-minimum-ron-95-from-april-1
Category: India
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Publish Date: 2026-02-26 19:48:00
