A major change is coming for vehicle owners in India starting April 1, 2026. The government has decided that petrol sold across the country will follow a new standard known as E20 fuel, and it must contain a minimum RON 95 (Research Octane Number) rating. This means petrol will include up to 20 percent ethanol blended with conventional fuel.

The move, introduced by the Government of India, is expected to influence fuel quality, vehicle performance, fuel efficiency, and environmental outcomes. For millions of car and bike owners, understanding what these changes mean will be important in the coming months.

What Is E20 Petrol and Why Is It Being Introduced?

E20 petrol refers to motor fuel that contains 20 percent ethanol mixed with petrol. Ethanol is a biofuel typically produced from agricultural products such as sugarcane, maize, and other crops.

The government’s decision to introduce E20 fuel is part of a broader strategy aimed at:

• Reducing dependence on imported crude oil
• Cutting down air pollution
• Promoting cleaner energy sources
• Supporting farmers and the agricultural economy

India had already achieved its earlier target of blending 10 percent ethanol in petrol ahead of schedule. Encouraged by that progress, policymakers decided to move toward the higher E20 blend. Experts believe this shift could help the country lower fuel imports while encouraging the use of renewable energy sources.

Impact on New and Older Vehicles

According to officials and industry experts, most vehicles manufactured between 2023 and 2025 onwards are already designed to be compatible with E20 fuel. For these newer cars and bikes, drivers are unlikely to face major technical issues once the new petrol standard is implemented nationwide.

However, the situation may differ slightly for older vehicles. Some expected effects include:

• A possible 3% to 7% reduction in mileage
• Slightly higher fuel consumption
• Minor performance differences in certain engines

This happens because ethanol contains slightly less energy compared to conventional petrol. While the difference may not be drastic for most users, owners of older vehicles may notice subtle changes in fuel efficiency.

Experts advise vehicle owners to check their vehicle manuals or consult authorized service centers to confirm whether their vehicles are fully compatible with E20 fuel.

Understanding RON 95 and Why It Matters

Along with the ethanol blend, the government has also mandated that petrol must have at least RON 95. RON stands for Research Octane Number and is an important indicator of fuel quality.

In simple terms, RON measures how well petrol can resist engine knocking—a condition where fuel burns unevenly or earlier than it should inside the engine.

Engine knocking can cause:

• A knocking or pinging sound
• Reduced engine performance
• Potential long-term damage to engine components

Higher octane fuel like RON 95 helps prevent this issue and ensures smoother engine operation. By introducing this standard, authorities aim to maintain vehicle performance even with higher ethanol blending.

Nationwide Rollout of E20 Fuel

The new fuel standard will be implemented under guidelines issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. According to official notifications, petroleum companies will supply 20 percent ethanol-blended petrol across states and Union Territories.

The fuel must also meet the standards defined by the Bureau of Indian Standards. However, the central government may allow temporary exemptions in certain regions if logistical or supply challenges arise.

What Vehicle Owners Should Do Now

With the transition approaching, vehicle owners can take a few simple steps:

1. Check whether their car or bike supports E20 fuel.
2. Follow manufacturer recommendations for fuel usage.
3. Keep vehicles well maintained to ensure optimal performance.
4. Stay updated on fuel changes announced by oil companies and authorities.

The shift to E20 petrol marks an important milestone in India’s fuel policy and environmental strategy. While the change may bring small adjustments for drivers, it is expected to contribute to cleaner energy use, reduced oil imports, and long-term sustainability in the country’s transportation sector.