- By Nidhi Giri
- Wed, 25 Feb 2026 05:47 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Starting April 1, petrol with up to 20 per cent ethanol and a minimum Research Octane Number (RON) of 95 will be sold in all states and Union Territories. Exceptions will be allowed in special situations, for specific regions and for a limited time.
An oil ministry notification dated February 17 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."
All About Ethanol Blending
Produced from crops such as sugarcane, maize, and other grains, ethanol is a renewable fuel that is manufactured domestically and burns more cleanly than pure petrol. To reduce dependence on imported oil and lower vehicular emissions, the government has made ethanol blending in petrol compulsory. This move also benefits the agricultural sector by increasing demand for sugarcane, maize, and surplus farm produce, thereby supporting farmers’ incomes.
What It Means For Vehicle Owners
Majority of vehicles produced in India from 2023 to 2025 onwards are built to operate on E20 fuel, and no significant problems are expected. However, older vehicles might experience a minor reduction in mileage, ranging from 3 to 7 per cent, and some rubber or plastic parts could show signs of wear over time.
About RON 95
Research Octane Number (RON), indicates how well a fuel can resist engine knocking, which occurs when fuel combusts unevenly inside the engine. This uneven burning can produce a pinging noise, reduce power and damage the engine over time. Fuels with a higher RON are better at preventing this knocking.
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Octane thereby reflects a fuel’s ability to remain stable under pressure. This means, higher the RON, the more the fuel can withstand high compression.
Ethanol possesses a high octane value of around 108 RON. Incorporating 20 per cent ethanol into petrol boosts its resistance to knocking, making the fuel more stable under compression.