The Government of India has notified new fuel standards, allowing petrol to be blended with up to 30% ethanol. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has released specifications for E22, E25, E27 and E30 fuel blends, indicating. The next phase of India’s ethanol blending Roadmap beyond the ongoing E20 rollout.
India goes ahead with E20
The move comes amid rising global energy security concerns and volatility in crude oil prices linked to ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia. Reports suggest that the government wants to reduce dependence on imported crude oil by increasing domestic ethanol use.
All India Distillers Association (AIDA) welcomes BIS standards for E22 to E30 fuel, calling it a major step towards India’s ethanol blending roadmap???
The industry body says the introduction of E25 fuel standards will help absorb surplus ethanol production, while focusing on future… pic.twitter.com/sbgD1i8QJJ
– Rushlane (@rushlane) 19 May 2026
While the latest BIS notification defines the technical standards for high ethanol blends Does not mandate immediate nationwide rollout of E30 fuel. Instead, it forms the basis for future implementation and compatibility planning in the automotive and fuel delivery sectors. Currently, India is actively promoting E20 fuel adoption, with most new vehicles now being engineered to support higher ethanol content. The newly notified standards include:
1. E22 – 22% ethanol blend
2. E25 – 25% ethanol blend
3. E27 – 27% ethanol blend
4. E30 – 30% ethanol blend
Industry bodies and biofuel producers have been pushing for higher ethanol blending for some time, citing surplus ethanol production capacity and long-term energy security benefits. Ethanol use may also increase Help reduce India’s crude oil import bill.
Automakers are preparing higher ethanol blends
Over the past few years, several manufacturers have showcased flex-fuel compatible vehicles in India as the country moves towards higher ethanol adoption. These include Mahindra’s flex-fuel tractor, Maruti Frontex E85 prototype, TVS Raider flex fuel, Honda CB300F flex fuel, launched in October 2024 at Rs 1.7 lakh, Bajaj Pulsar NS160 flex-fuel (E100) concept showcased in September 2024 and Toyota Innova HiCross flex-fuel hybrid. More recently, Royal Enfield was also seen testing an E85-compatible Classic 350 motorcycle, indicating the industry’s growing readiness for higher ethanol blends.
Vehicle compatibility challenges remain
While higher ethanol blending could help India reduce crude oil imports and improve energy security, There are still concerns about fuel efficiency and long-term practicality remains. Ethanol has a lower energy density than petrol, meaning vehicles can consume slightly more fuel to deliver the same performance and range. This may result in reduced mileage, especially in older vehicles that are not specifically adapted to higher ethanol blends.
There are also concerns related to compatibility of existing engines, fuel system components and readiness of nationwide infrastructure. However, the government argues that higher ethanol use could reduce dependence on imported oil, support domestic sugar and biofuel industries and reduce emissions in the long term.
