What India’s new E22 to E30 Petrol variants mean for fuel prices, vehicles and ethanol use
BIS Introduces New Standard
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the body responsible for setting regulatory norms under the ethanol blending initiative, has announced a new specification – ‘IS 19850:2026’ – for ‘E22, E25, E27 and E30 Fuel, Anhydrous Ethanol and Motor Gasoline Blend for Use in Vehicles Powered by Positive Ignition Engines’.
This development follows the successful implementation of the E20 blending program and reflects the government’s wider plans to further increase ethanol levels in gasoline in the coming years.
Why is Higher Ethanol Blending Important?
According to officials, increasing ethanol blending could help India reduce its dependence on imported crude oil, reduce vehicle emissions and provide a boost to the domestic sugarcane and agriculture sectors.
The notification also comes at a time when fuel prices are trending upward across the country. The government is actively promoting ethanol blending as part of its long-term strategy to protect the economy from fluctuations in global crude oil prices.
India’s Ethanol Blending Progress
India has significantly stepped up its ethanol blending efforts in recent years. The government had earlier advanced the target of achieving 20 per cent ethanol blend in petrol from 2030 by the ethanol supply year 2025-26.
Government Investigates Higher Ethanol Blends
In recent months, government officials have also talked about the possibility of introducing even higher ethanol blend fuels such as E85. Union ministers and oil industry officials said the government is currently assessing the readiness of fuel distribution networks, vehicle compatibility and supply chain systems before moving towards wider adoption.
