India has officially introduced fuel specifications for petrol variants with higher ethanol content, including E22, E25, E27 and E30, paving the way for the next stage of the country’s ethanol blending programme.BIS Introduces New StandardThe Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the agency responsible for setting regulatory norms under the ethanol blending initiative, announced a new specification — “IS 19850:2026” — for “E22, E25, E27 and E30 Fuel, Admixture of Anhydrous Ethanol and Motor Gasoline for Usage in Positive Ignition Engine Powered Vehicles."The development follows the successful implementation of the E20 blending programme and reflects the government’s broader plans to further raise ethanol levels in petrol in the coming years.Why Higher Ethanol Blending MattersAccording to officials, increasing ethanol blending can help India cut dependence on imported crude oil, reduce vehicle emissions, and provide support to the domestic sugarcane and agriculture sectors.The notification also comes at a time when fuel prices are witnessing an upward trend across the country. The government has been actively promoting ethanol blending as part of its long-term strategy to shield the economy from fluctuations in global crude oil prices.India’s Ethanol Blending PushIndia has significantly accelerated its ethanol blending efforts in recent years. The government had earlier advanced its target of achieving 20 percent ethanol blending in petrol from 2030 to the ethanol supply year 2025-26.Government Exploring Higher Ethanol BlendsIn recent months, government officials have also spoken about the possibility of introducing even higher ethanol-blended fuels such as E85.Union ministers and officials from the petroleum sector stated that the government is currently assessing the preparedness of fuel distribution networks, vehicle compatibility, and supply chain systems before moving ahead with broader adoption.