Pan-India Sale Of 20% Ethanol-Blended Petrol With Minimum RON 95 From April 1

New Delhi: India has mandated the nationwide sale of petrol blended with up to 20 percent ethanol and a minimum Research Octane Number (RON) of 95 from April 1. Aiming to reduce crude oil imports, and lower emissions, the government move is said to boost farmer incomes by increasing demand for ethanol derived from crops.

Hailed as a milestone leap, the move is part of India’s clean energy and fuel diversification strategy. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas directed oil companies to supply petrol blended with up to 20 percent ethanol, meeting Bureau of Indian Standards specifications, and ensure a minimum Research Octane Number (RON) of 95 in a notification issued on February 17.

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While there are criticism that the government has not reduced the price of petrol despite providing ethanol-blended petrol, risking vehicle performance and mileage short, the government claims it creates additional demand for agricultural produce, offering them new income opportunities.

Ethanol is produced from sugarcane, maize, and other grains. As a renewable fuel, it burns cleaner than pure petrol, helping reduce carbon emissions. India had implemented 10 percent ethanol blending in June 2022, and the government further advanced to 20 percent target in 2025-26.

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