India to mandate E20 petrol with RON 95 from 1 April 2026

Direct fact

In February 2026, the Government of India announced that from 1 April 2026 all petrol pumps will sell only E20 petrol, with a minimum Research Octane Number (RON) of 95, across the country.

Key specifics

• E20 means petrol blended with 20% ethanol, replacing E10 as the standard retail fuel.
• The rule applies to all petrol retail outlets, including PSU, private and other OMC pumps.
• The policy is part of India’s Ethanol Blending Programme and is monitored by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and PPAC.
• The stated goals are lower crude oil imports, reduced carbon emissions, and higher ethanol demand for farmers.
• The rollout date is 1 April 2026, with higher blends such as E85 and E100 kept outside the default rule.

Exam lens

Economy and environment MCQ focus: E20, 20% ethanol, RON 95, 1 April 2026, Ethanol Blending Programme — a likely TNPSC one-liner on fuel policy and energy transition.