Government notifies standards for petrol blends beyond E20

After making E20 fuel (petrol with a 20 percent ethanol blend) mandatory across the country, the government has notified new standards for even higher ethanol blends. The notification, published by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in the Gazette of India, listed technical and quality parameters for E22, E25, E27 and E30 fuels. The standards dictate permissible levels of anhydrous (water-free) ethanol in the fuel mixture, octane levels, sulphur content and vapour pressure while also defining blending requirements, permissible impurity levels, testing methods and safety norms.

The official document stated that the newly introduced standard, IS 19850:2026, covers specifications for “E22, E25, E27 and E30 fuel, admixture of anhydrous ethanol and motor gasoline for usage in positive ignition engine-powered vehicles,” and takes effect from May 15, 2026. It was issued under Rule 15(1) of the Bureau of Indian Standards Rules, 2018.

Why the push for blends beyond E20?

This development comes as the government aims to further lower India’s dependence on fuel imports and aid domestic ethanol production amid rising fuel prices due to tensions in the Middle East. A notification like this is significant, as it formally issues a fuel-quality framework for blends beyond E20, indicating that the government is beginning to prepare the ecosystem for the next stage of ethanol adoption.

The move also comes weeks after the government separately proposed draft amendments to recognise E85 and E100 fuels under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, signalling a broader policy direction towards higher ethanol and flex-fuel readiness. Automakers have largely completed the transition towards E20-compatible vehicles, but blends such as E30, E85 and E100 will require additional engineering and validation work around engine calibration, fuel-system durability, corrosion resistance and material compatibility.

What do industry stakeholders have to say about this?

Industry stakeholders have also pointed to the need for greater alignment across fuel infrastructure, dispensing systems and nationwide fuel consistency before higher ethanol blends can be rolled out at scale.

Even so, the latest notification provides automakers, suppliers and fuel companies an early regulatory direction as India gradually expands its ethanol-blending ambitions beyond the current E20 programme. Apart from E30 fuel specifications, BIS also notified revised standards for dimethyl ether (DME) blended LPG and other industrial specifications.