Centre mandates E20 petrol with minimum RON 95 across states, UTs from April 1

The Centre has mandated oil marketing companies to sell ethanol-blended petrol with a minimum Research Octane Number (RON) of 95 across all states and Union territories from April 1, 2026.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, in a February 17 notification, said, "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 government, however, said it may, in special circumstances, permit oil companies to sell ethanol-blended petrol meeting only BIS RON specifications for a specified period and in select regions.

RON, or Research Octane Number, is a measure of a fuel's resistance to engine knocking (pre-ignition). The higher the RON, the more resistant the fuel is to knocking.

The insistence on minimum RON 95 is to prevent engine damage.

The new mandate effectively standardises higher-octane E20 petrol nationwide.

The government has mandated ethanol blending in petrol to help cut oil imports and also reduce emissions. Such a mandate also supports farmers as it boosts demand for sugarcane, maize and agricultural surplus.

However, the latest Economic Survey has warned of unintended consequences of the ethanol push.

According to the annual report, the government’s pricing policies that favour maize-based ethanol are driving farmers to shift away from pulses and oilseeds, raising concerns about long-term food security and nutrition.

The ethanol programme has expanded beyond traditional sugar-based feedstock to include food grains, particularly maize, as India works toward its E20 blending target, mixing 20% ethanol with petrol.

There have also been concerns around the fuel efficiency and engine performance of vehicles not optimised for ethanol.

The government, however, has repeatedly dismissed such concerns as “largely unfounded” and not backed by scientific evidence.

The ministry said E20 fuel, containing one part ethanol to four parts petrol, delivers “better acceleration, improved ride quality and…lower carbon emissions by approximately 30%” compared to E10, which has a 10% ethanol blend.

Most vehicles manufactured in India from 2023-2025 onward are designed to run on E20 and no major issues are expected, industry officials said.

Older vehicles may however see a slight drop in mileage (3-7 per cent). Also rubber/plastic component may wear.