Govt Mandates Nationwide Sale Of E20 Petrol With RON 95 From April 2026
So the fuel at your local pump is about to change. The state has ordered the sale of E20 petrol with a high “95 Octane” rating across India. The goal? Clean air and safe car engines. In fact, this new rule starts on April 1, 2026. Plus, it will apply to every town and city in the land.
Why the RON 95 Rule is Good News
But here is why the “95 Octane” part matters for you. Most petrol today is 91 RON. Is that good enough? Not for new cars. High octane fuel stops “knocking” in your engine. Consequently, the fuel burns in a smooth way. This keeps your engine parts safe from harm for a long time.
Moreover, ethanol helps boost this rating naturally. By mixing in 20% ethanol, the state makes the fuel much more stable. Previously, you had to pay a high price for “premium” 95 octane gas. So this move makes high-quality fuel the new standard for everyone. Therefore, your car should run better on the highway.
Quick Facts: The New Fuel Rule (2026)
| Feature | New Detail | Impact |
| 🗓️ Start Date | April 1, 2026 | Full India Launch |
| 🌽 Ethanol Mix | 20% (E20) | Eco-Friendly |
| 🛡️ Octane Level | Min 95 RON | No Engine Knock |
| 💰 Money Saved | ₹1.40 Lakh Cr | Lower Imports |
| 🚜 Farmer Aid | High Demand | More Income |
Will it Hurt Your Car’s Mileage?
Still, some drivers worry about how far they can go on one tank. Most cars made after 2023 can use E20 fuel with no issues. The plan? A smooth shift for all. And these new cars have parts that handle ethanol well. Accordingly, they will love the extra power from the 95 octane rating.
But what about older cars? You might see a small drop in miles per liter. Why? Because ethanol has less energy than pure gas. Essentially, your mileage could dip by 3% to 7%. Additionally, ethanol can wear out old rubber tubes over time. Indeed, you should check your fuel lines if your car is more than five years old.
A Green Win for India
Then there is the big picture for the country. This fuel mix helps India buy less oil from other nations. The reason? We can grow our own fuel using corn and sugar. Since 2014, this has saved the country billions of dollars.
Worth noting: This move also helps our farmers earn more money. The state wants to reach this goal by late 2025 or early 2026. So the April 2026 date is the final step in a long plan. Ultimately, the E20 95 RON rule makes India a leader in green travel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is 95 RON petrol better than 91 RON? So the answer is yes. It allows your engine to work under more heat without “pinging.” Because of this, your car stays in top shape for more years.
Can my old bike run on E20 petrol? In fact, most old bikes can run on it, but they might need a quick check-up. Additionally, you should keep an eye on the fuel pipes for any leaks or cracks.![]()
When will E20 petrol be at every pump? But the state has set a firm date of April 1, 2026. Consequently, every oil firm must supply this new blend to all fuel stations by then.
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