The government has mandated the sale of petrol with up to 20% ethanol and a minimum Research Octane Number (RON) of 95 across all States and Union Territories from April 1, 2026.
The oil ministry in a February 17 notification, said, "the central government hereby directs that oil companies shall sell ethanol-blended motor spirit (petrol) with percentage of ethanol up to 20% as per the Bureau of Indian Standards specifications and having minimum Research Octane Number (RON) of 95, in States and the Union Territories".
The central government can allow exceptions in special situations, for specific regions and for a limited time.
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Ethanol is made from sugarcane, maize, or grain. It is renewable, domestically produced and has cleaner burning than pure petrol.
