India announces new petrol variants with ethanol blend up to 30%

The Union government has reportedly notified new fuel standards for petrol blended with up to 30% ethanol amid rising energy security concerns linked to the ongoing West Asia crisis and increasing crude oil prices.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) issued a notification on May 18, 2026, introducing technical norms for E22, E25, E27 and E30 fuel blends. These blends contain 22%, 25%, 27% and 30% ethanol mixed with petrol.

The notification reportedly defines technical standards for higher ethanol blends and does not make E30 fuel mandatory for immediate nationwide sale. The move comes as India looks for alternative energy options due to concerns over global oil supply disruptions as per reports. The possible closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which around 20% of the world’s oil supply passes, has increased pressure on India to reduce dependence on imported crude oil.

The government has been promoting E20 fuel over the last few years. However, some commuters and experts have raised concerns over fuel efficiency and possible higher maintenance costs in older vehicles using higher ethanol blends.

Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri had reportedly stated earlier that no engine failure or breakdown cases linked to E20 fuel had been reported. He also cited Brazil as an example, saying the country has successfully used E27 fuel for years.

Industry bodies and biofuel manufacturers have supported the move towards higher ethanol blending, citing surplus ethanol production and the need to reduce oil import dependence. Some experts reportedly warned that moving beyond E20 would require proper coordination between fuel supply, vehicle compatibility standards, and fuel distribution infrastructure across different regions of the country.