India mandates sale of 20% ethanol-blended petrol nationwide
Change
India directed oil companies to sell petrol blended with up to 20% ethanol and a minimum Research Octane Number (RON) of 95 nationwide, effective April 1, 2026, while permitting temporary regional exceptions in special situations.
Why it matters
Fuel refiners and retailers must reconfigure blending, storage and labelling to deliver the 20% ethanol blend (E20) that meets the RON 95 minimum, reducing the availability of lower-octane petrol grades. Operators of vehicles manufactured before 2023 face a likely 3–7% drop in mileage and accelerated wear of rubber and plastic components and must assess compatibility to avoid operational faults.
Implications
- • Oil companies' refinery and blending teams must change blend recipes, update quality-testing protocols and segregate stocks to ensure every retail shipment meets E20 and RON 95 — failure will leave delivered fuel non-compliant with the nationwide directive.
- • Retail petrol forecourt operators and pump managers must update pump labelling, consumer notices and forecourt inventory to reflect E20 as the standard grade — failure will result in sales of non-compliant fuel after the mandate takes effect.
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