New Delhi: The Central Government has directed oil companies to sell petrol blended with up to 20 per cent ethanol and meeting a minimum Research Octane Number (RON) of 95 across all states and Union Territories from April 1, 2026.
The order has been issued under Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, along with the provisions of the Motor Spirit and High Speed Diesel (Regulation of Supply and Distribution and Prevention of Malpractices) Order, 2005. The new notification replaces an earlier order dated June 2, 2021, except for actions already carried out under the previous rules.
Under the revised guidelines, oil companies must ensure that the ethanol-blended petrol follows Bureau of Indian Standards specifications, contains up to 20 per cent ethanol, and maintains a minimum RON of 95.
The government has also stated that in special circumstances, it may allow oil companies to supply ethanol-blended petrol meeting the required standards for specific regions and for a limited period.
The notification will come into effect on April 1, 2026.
