India notifies petrol standards for ethanol blends up to 30%
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The Union government has notified new fuel standards allowing petrol to be blended with up to 30% ethanol as India looks to strengthen energy security during the ongoing West Asia crisis linked to the US-Israeli war on Iran.
In a notification dated May 18, the Bureau of Indian Standards introduced specifications for E22, E25, E27, and E30 fuel blends, referring to petrol mixed with 22%, 25%, 27% and 30% ethanol, respectively.
The notification does not mandate immediate nationwide sale of E30 fuel but sets the technical standards required for future implementation.
The move comes as disruptions linked to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a major global oil shipping route, increase pressure on India to reduce dependence on imported crude oil and expand alternative fuel use.
The government has already promoted E20 fuel adoption over the past two years. However, concerns have been raised about reduced fuel efficiency and possible effects on the engines of older vehicles.
Defending higher ethanol blending, Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri had previously said no cases of engine failure linked to E20 fuel had been reported. He also cited Brazil’s long-term use of E27 fuel blends.
Industry groups and biofuel manufacturers have pushed for higher ethanol blending levels, citing surplus ethanol production and the need to cut oil imports.
R. C. Bhargava said automakers would comply if higher ethanol blends became mandatory and added that the company had the capability to adapt.
Automakers have also urged the government to reduce prices of high-ethanol fuels such as E85 and E100 to encourage the adoption of flex-fuel vehicles. Industry representatives are additionally seeking tax incentives.
Experts have cautioned that moving beyond E20 would require upgrades in fuel distribution systems, vehicle compatibility standards, and supply planning, including possible restrictions on sugar exports to maintain ethanol availability.