E20 fuel rollout begins from April 1
India rolls out E20 petrol nationwide from April 1, blending 20% ethanol to cut oil imports and emissions. With RON 95 fuel, performance stays stable in newer vehicles, while older cars may face mileage drops and maintenance issues. The move also boosts demand for sugarcane and maize, supporting farmers.
Petrol pumps across India will begin supplying ethanol-blended petrol with up to 20% ethanol from April 1, 2026, as part of the Centre’s ethanol blending programme.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has stated that the new fuel will have a minimum Research Octane Number (RON) of 95 to ensure smooth engine performance despite the higher ethanol content. The fuel will meet standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards.
RON, or Research Octane Number, measures a fuel’s ability to resist knocking inside the engine. A higher RON helps fuel burn more evenly, reducing engine stress. Petrol with a RON of 95 is considered a higher grade and is expected to maintain performance even with increased ethanol blending.
The government is increasing ethanol blending to reduce dependence on imported crude oil and lower emissions. Ethanol, produced from crops such as sugarcane and maize, is also expected to support farmers and boost domestic production.
Officials said the move is part of a phased plan that has been implemented over the past few years.
For vehicle owners, the impact will vary. Newer vehicles are designed to run on E20 fuel and are unlikely to face major issues, though a slight drop in mileage may occur.
However, older petrol vehicles may face challenges as they are not built for higher ethanol content. Parts such as rubber components and seals may wear out faster, potentially leading to maintenance issues. Some vehicles may also see reduced fuel efficiency or face difficulty during cold starts.
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Source : Chinimandi
