The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has notified specifications for higher ethanol-blended petrol variants—E22, E25, E27 and E30—marking a significant step in India’s transition beyond the E20 ethanol blending programme and signalling the next phase of the country’s biofuel roadmap.
The newly published standard, IS 19850:2026, defines technical specifications for ethanol-blended fuels containing 22 percent, 25 percent, 27 percent and 30 percent anhydrous ethanol mixed with motor gasoline. The move comes after India achieved its target of 20 percent ethanol blending in petrol under the National Policy on Biofuels, 2018.
The notification establishes the regulatory framework required for future adoption of higher ethanol blends and provides clarity to fuel producers, automobile manufacturers and refiners as the country prepares for deeper integration of biofuels into the transport sector.
Industry observers view the development as a precursor to India’s long-term ambition of moving towards 30 percent ethanol blending by 2030. Higher ethanol blending is expected to reduce dependence on imported crude oil, support domestic agriculture and strengthen energy security
