India Mandates 95-Octane E20 Petrol Nationwide from April 1
The Indian government has made it mandatory to sell E20 ethanol-blended petrol with a minimum 95-octane rating from April 1 to ensure engine safety, improve fuel efficiency, and boost the economy.
Prasanth Subramani
The Central Government has made it mandatory that from April 1, E20 petrol—fuel blended with 20 percent ethanol—must be sold with a minimum 95-octane rating across the country.
According to the latest notification from the Ministry of Petroleum, all fuel sold in states and union territories must comply with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and maintain this higher octane level. The decision has been taken to ensure engine safety and smooth vehicle performance.
Octane is a measure of how well petrol burns under high pressure. When ethanol is blended with petrol, there is a possibility of uneven combustion inside the engine, which can cause knocking, noise, and vibration. A 95-octane rating helps prevent these issues and protects the engine.
Ethanol naturally has a high octane rating of around 108. Experts say ethanol-blended petrol can improve engine performance and increase engine life.
The ethanol blending program, introduced to strengthen the country’s economy, has helped India save about ₹1.40 lakh crore in foreign exchange over the past decade. Since ethanol is produced from sugarcane, maize, and grains, the initiative also provides additional income opportunities for farmers.
Most vehicles manufactured in India since 2023 are designed to run on E20 petrol. However, some users of older vehicles have reported a slight drop in fuel efficiency.
Source:
