New Delhi: The Central Government has issued order directing oil companies to sell petrol blended with up to 20 per cent ethanol, meeting a minimum Research Octane Number (RON) of 95, across all states and Union Territories from April 1, 2026.
The decision has been taken under Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, read with 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 issued on June 2, 2021, except for actions already taken under the previous rule.
Under the revised directive, oil companies must ensure that ethanol-blended petrol complies with Bureau of Indian Standards specifications and contains up to 20 per cent ethanol, while maintaining a minimum RON of 95.
However, the government has said that in special circumstances, it may permit oil companies to sell ethanol-blended petrol meeting the required RON standards for specific regions and for a limited period.
The notification will come into effect on April 1, 2026.
