Centre has mandated the sale of ethanol-blended petrol with up to 20 per cent ethanol and a minimum Research Octane Number (RON) of 95 across all states and Union Territories from April 1, 2026.
In a February 17 notification, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas directed oil marketing companies to sell ethanol-blended motor spirit (E20) conforming to Bureau of Indian Standards specifications and having a minimum RON of 95. The government may grant exceptions in special situations for specific regions and limited durations.
The move is aimed at reducing crude oil imports, lowering emissions and supporting farmers by boosting demand for sugarcane, maize and other agricultural produce used in ethanol production.
Ethanol is a renewable, domestically produced fuel derived from sugarcane, maize or grain, and burns cleaner than pure petrol. India achieved 10 per cent ethanol blending in petrol in June 2022, five months ahead of schedule. Encouraged by the progress, the government advanced the target of 20 per cent blending to 2025-26 from 2030. Most fuel stations now retail E20.
The insistence on a minimum RON of 95 is intended to prevent engine knocking and potential damage. RON measures a fuel’s resistance to pre-ignition or knocking, uneven fuel combustion that can cause a pinging sound, loss of power and long-term engine harm. The higher the RON, the greater the resistance to knocking.