SYLLABUS

GS-3: Infrastructure: Energy and Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, and environmental impact assessment.

Context: From April 1, 2026, India will mandate the nationwide sale of petrol blended with up to 20% ethanol (E20) and a minimum Research Octane Number (RON) of 95 across all states and Union Territories. 

More on the News

• The directive was issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, requiring oil companies to supply ethanol-blended petrol that meets Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specifications.

• The order allows limited exemptions in special situations for specific regions and for a defined period.

• The move is part of India’s broader strategy to reduce crude oil imports, lower emissions, and promote domestically produced renewable fuels.

About the Ethanol

• Ethanol is an anhydrous ethyl alcohol with the chemical formula C₂H₅OH.

• It can be produced from sugarcane, maize, wheat, and other high-starch crops. 

• In India, ethanol is primarily produced from sugarcane molasses through fermentation.

• Ethanol can be blended with gasoline to form various ethanol-gasoline blends. 

• Its oxygen content allows engines to combust fuel more completely, reducing emissions and environmental pollution.

• As ethanol is produced from plants that harness solar energy, it is considered a renewable fuel.

About the Ethanol Blending

• Ethanol is mixed with petrol to reduce emissions and partially replace fossil fuels. 

• E10 contains 10% ethanol, while E20 contains 20%.

• E20, or Ethanol 20, is petrol blended with 20% ethanol, a biofuel typically derived from sugarcane, corn, or surplus grain. 

• The Ethanol Blending Programme has also helped reduce reliance on imported crude oil. 

• The EBP was launched in January 2003 to promote alternative, environmentally friendly fuels and reduce India’s dependence on imported energy.”

• According to the oil ministry, India has saved more than ₹1.40 lakh crore in foreign exchange since 2014–15 through petrol substitution.

• India achieved 10% ethanol blending in petrol in June 2022, ahead of schedule, and subsequently advanced its 20% blending target from 2030 to 2025–26.  Many fuel stations already sell E20 in several parts of the country.

• India has committed to reducing its GDP emissions intensity by 45% by 2030 (from 2005 levels) and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, as part of its Panchamrit strategy announced at COP26. 

About the Research Octane Number (RON) 

• It is a measure of a fuel’s resistance to engine knocking or pre-ignition, a condition where fuel burns unevenly inside the engine cylinder. 

• Knocking can cause a pinging sound, reduced efficiency, power loss, and long-term engine damage.

• Higher RON fuels are more stable under high compression and temperature, making them suitable for modern high-performance engines.

• Role of Ethanol in Octane Rating: Ethanol naturally has a high-octane rating of around 108 RON. When blended with petrol, it increases the overall octane level of the fuel, improving combustion stability and reducing knocking.

Significance of the RON 95 Requirement

• Engine Protection: Ensures compatibility with modern engines and prevents knocking-related damage.

• Performance Stability: Maintains smooth combustion and consistent engine performance, especially under high compression conditions.

• Support for E20 Transition: As ethanol content increases, ensuring adequate octane levels helps avoid efficiency losses and mechanical stress.

• Future-Ready Fuel Ecosystem: Higher-octane fuel aligns with evolving automotive technologies, including turbocharged and high-compression engines.