In its February 17 notification, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas directed that oil companies shall sell ethanol-blended motor spirit with ethanol content up to 20% as per Bureau of Indian Standards specifications and with a minimum Research Octane Number (RON) of 95 from April 1, 2026.

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The notification stated that the central government may allow exceptions in special situations for specific regions and for a limited period.

Ethanol Blending Target Advanced

The government advanced the target of 20% ethanol blending in petrol to the ethanol supply year 2025-26 from the earlier 2030 timeline after achieving 10% blending in June 2022, five months ahead of schedule, according to official data from the Oil Ministry.

Most retail outlets across the country are currently dispensing E20 fuel, or petrol blended with 20% ethanol, as per government statements.

According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, India has saved more than ₹1.40 lakh crore in foreign exchange since 2014-15 through the substitution of petrol with ethanol.

Technical Specifications And Vehicle Compatibility

The notification mandates a minimum RON of 95 for E20 petrol. RON stands for Research Octane Number. It is a measure of a fuel’s resistance to engine knocking. The higher the RON number, the higher the fuel’s resistance to pre-ignition.

Ethanol has a high octane rating of around 108 RON, and blending 20% ethanol with petrol increases the overall knock resistance of the fuel, as per technical data cited by the ministry.

Ethanol for blending is derived from sugarcane, maize, and other grains. According to the government, the purpose of the blending scheme is to cut down the importation of crude oil, lower emissions, and promote agriculture by creating a market for agricultural products.

According to the industry data quoted in government communications, most cars produced in India from 2023 to 2025 onwards are compatible with E20 fuel. With the April 1, 2026, policy, the sale of ethanol-blended petrol, as per the standards, will be standardised across the country, with exemptions as notified by the government.