The Indian Ministry of Petroleum has issued a directive requiring petrol pumps to sell E20 petrol, which is petrol blended with 20% ethanol, across all states and union territories starting April 1. This move aims to promote the use of biofuels and reduce dependency on fossil fuels, aligning with the government’s targets for environmental sustainability and energy security.

The directive, which was released on February 17, specifies that the petrol must have a minimum Research Octane Number (RON) of 95. This change will not only alter the fuel composition available at pumps but also necessitate changes in the vehicles used, as they must be compatible with the new fuel specifications. As a result, consumers will have to be informed and educated about the forthcoming changes in fuel types.

This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Indian government to encourage cleaner energy practices within the country. The enhanced ethanol blending is expected to mitigate vehicular pollution and promote agricultural use of crops for fuel production. Given the implications for both the automotive industry and consumers, the success of this initiative will largely depend on the rollout of necessary infrastructure and public awareness campaigns.