India to roll out E20 ethanol-blended petrol nationwide from April 1

The Centre is set to roll out ethanol-blended petrol with up to 20 percent ethanol, commonly referred to as E20 fuel, across the country from April 1, 2026, marking a significant step in India’s energy transition strategy.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has stated that the fuel will have a minimum Research Octane Number (RON) of 95 to ensure optimal engine performance despite the higher ethanol content. Officials said the fuel would conform to standards prescribed by the Bureau of Indian



Standards.

The nationwide rollout is aimed at reducing dependence on crude oil imports and lowering vehicular emissions. However, the move has triggered widespread debate over its implications for consumers, the automobile industry and the environment.

Vehicle owners have raised concerns over possible changes in fuel efficiency and engine performance. Since ethanol has lower energy density compared to petrol, experts estimate that fuel economy could drop by 2 to 7 percent, particularly in older vehicles that are not designed to run on E20 fuel.