Government Notifies E22, E25, E27 and E30 Petrol Blend Standards for India’s Next Ethanol Push

The new standards, issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), cover E22, E25, E27 and E30 fuel blends, signaling the government’s intent to gradually move towards higher ethanol usage in petrol-powered vehicles.

India has taken the next major step in its ethanol-blending roadmap as the Union government officially notified fuel standards for petrol blends beyond E20.

The newly introduced standard, known as IS 19850:2026, came into effect from May 15, 2026. It defines technical specifications for fuel mixtures made using anhydrous ethanol and motor gasoline for use in positive ignition engine-powered vehicles, which include most petrol cars and two-wheelers sold in India.

Under the notification, BIS has laid down detailed parameters covering ethanol percentage limits, octane ratings, sulphur content, vapour pressure, blending requirements, impurity levels, testing procedures and safety norms for E22 to E30 fuels. The move creates a formal regulatory framework for fuel companies, automakers and suppliers to begin preparations for the next phase of India’s ethanol programme.

The development comes after India successfully advanced its E20 target from 2030 to the 2025-26 ethanol supply year. The government has repeatedly highlighted ethanol blending as a key strategy to reduce dependence on imported crude oil, support domestic agriculture and lower vehicular emissions. India currently imports more than 85 percent of its crude oil requirement, making fuel diversification an important policy focus.

The push towards higher ethanol blends has also gained momentum amid volatility in global oil markets and rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia. Officials believe expanding ethanol usage could strengthen India’s energy security while also increasing demand for domestically produced ethanol from sugarcane and grain-based sources.

While the notification establishes standards for E22 to E30 fuels, it does not mandate an immediate nationwide rollout of these higher blends. Industry experts say large-scale adoption would require further infrastructure upgrades, including separate fuel storage systems, dispensing equipment and supply-chain modifications at fuel stations.

Automobile manufacturers are also expected to undertake additional engineering work before higher ethanol blends can be widely introduced. Although most modern vehicles are now E20-compatible, fuels such as E25 and E30 may require changes related to engine calibration, corrosion resistance, fuel-system durability and material compatibility.

Reports also suggest that the Petroleum Ministry has asked the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) to study the impact of E25 fuel on mileage and engine life in existing E10- and E20-compatible vehicles. Concerns regarding fuel efficiency and long-term engine performance continue to be discussed among consumers and manufacturers alike.

The latest notification further aligns with the government’s broader flex-fuel strategy. Draft amendments proposing recognition of E85 and E100 fuels under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules have already been discussed, indicating that India may gradually move towards even higher ethanol-compatible vehicles in the future.

Key Highlights

• Government notified standards for E22, E25, E27 and E30 petrol blends.

• New BIS standard is named IS 19850:2026.

• Standards became effective from May 15, 2026.

• Covers technical specifications, testing methods and safety norms.

• No immediate nationwide rollout of E22, E25, E27 and E30 fuel announced yet.

• Move aims to reduce crude oil imports and improve energy security.

• Higher blends may require additional vehicle engineering and fuel infrastructure upgrades.

• India is also evaluating future adoption of E85 and E100 fuels.

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