Government Mandates E20 Petrol with RON 95 Minimum From April 1 – Here's All You Need to Know
Here’s how the switch to E20 petrol with 95 RON will affect vehicles manufactured before and after 2023. RON (Research Octane Number) indicates a fuel’s resistance to premature ignition, or 'knocking'.
By Sanorita
The Government has mandated the sale of E20 petrol, with a minimum Research Octane Number (RON) of 95, starting April 1, 2026. As part of the Centre’s clean energy initiative, this directive will apply across all states and Union Territories. However, the rollout may allow exemptions under special circumstances for specific regions and for a limited period, as stated in the official notification from the central government. This new mandate represents a significant step toward promoting cleaner fuels and reducing reliance on crude oil. Here’s everything you need to know about RON 95, its significance, and what this change means for motorists and drivers in India.
What is RON 95 & Ethanol-blended E20 Petrol?
RON, which stands for Research Octane Number, measures a fuel’s ability to prevent premature ignition, commonly known as knocking (which can cause a drop in engine power and result in long-term mechanical damage). The government’s decision to fix the minimum octane at 95 ensures fuel can withstand the demands of today’s high-compression engines. Since pure ethanol has a natural octane rating of approximately 108, blending it at 20% levels naturally booststhe overall octane of the fuel, making the 95 RON target achievable for oil marketing companies (OMCs).
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For the unversed, E20 petrol is a mixture of 80% petrol and 20% ethanol. Produced from crops like sugarcane and maize, it provides a cleaner and renewable fuel option.
Everything Else Every Motorist Should Know about the Change
The effect of the new rollout will vary depending on the vehicle’s age and engine technology. Vehicles purchased after April 2023 are generally well-positioned for the E20 petrol transition. Following the implementation of BS6 Phase 2 (RDE) norms, most new internal combustion engines in India were designed to be E20-compatible. Fuel system components, including seals, gaskets, and injectors, are engineered to handle higher ethanol concentrations without degradation. Hence, in such scenarios, using 95-octane petrol can provide smoother throttle response, a 3–5% boost in power, and greater resistance to engine knocking or pre-ignition.
That said, the most recent fuel transition could be challenging for the vehicles built before 2023. While the higher 95 RON is generally beneficial for engine performance, the 20% ethanol content in E20 fuel can absorb moisture and may be corrosive to older rubber seals, gaskets, and plastic components. For these pre-2023 vehicles, owners might notice a 3–7% drop in mileage due to ethanol’s lower energy density, and fuel filters may require more frequent attention.
