India Clears Path for 30% Ethanol-Blended Petrol Amid Energy Crisis

The Centre has established the technical framework for petrol blended with up to 30 per cent ethanol, signalling the ambition to push beyond its current E20 programme as volatile crude prices and geopolitical tensions heighten the country's energy security concerns.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) notified specifications for E22, E25, E27 and E30 fuel blends -- referring to petrol blended with 22 per cent, 25 per cent, 27 per cent and 30 per cent ethanol respectively -- in a notification dated 18 May. 

The standards took effect from 15 May 2026. 

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India is currently rolling out E20 fuel adoption nationally, while industry bodies and biofuel manufacturers have pushed for higher blends, citing surplus ethanol availability and the need to cut oil import dependence.

The notification comes as India contends with a crude supply squeeze driven by the West Asia conflict, particularly the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20 per cent of global oil supply passes. The move is also expected to lift ethanol capacity utilisation above its current level of 50 per cent.

Maruti Suzuki India chairman RC Bhargava was quoted as saying that the country's largest automaker is prepared to meet the new requirements. "If the government decides to implement it and it becomes a standard requirement for everybody, we will comply. We have the capability to comply with it," Bhargava said.

The newly notified BIS norms form a fresh specification category for blends beyond E20 and lay down technical requirements for the safe use of higher ethanol-blended petrol. 

These cover ethanol percentage, octane levels, sulphur limits, water content, vapour pressure, corrosion resistance and fuel stability. The standards are also designed to ensure compatibility with engines, fuel injection systems and vehicle components, and are expected to support the eventual rollout of flex-fuel and higher blend-compatible vehicles across India.