EconomySaturday, 28 February 2026·The Hindu
India to mandate E20 petrol with RON 95 from 1 April 2026
India will require all petrol pumps to sell E20 petrol with minimum RON 95 from 1 April 2026.
Key highlights
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.