India has taken a crucial step towards expanding its biofuel program with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) officially notifying new specifications for higher ethanol-blended petrol.
The notification, dated May 15, 2026, establishes standard IS 19850:2026 for “E22, E25, E27 and E30 Fuel, Admixture of Anhydrous Ethanol and Motor Gasoline for Usage in Positive Ignition Engine Powered Vehicles.” This formalizes the use of fuels containing 22%, 25%, 27%, and 30% ethanol, pushing India closer to its ambitious ethanol blending targets.
Accelerating India's Biofuel Roadmap
This development is central to India's strategy to reduce its reliance on crude oil imports, mitigate carbon emissions, and bolster its domestic sugar and biofuel industries. The expanded standards provide regulatory clarity for automakers, oil marketing companies, and biofuel producers as they prepare for the next phase of ethanol-driven mobility solutions.
Industry Welcomes Move, Eyes Future Blends
The All India Distillers' Association (AIDA) lauded the BIS notification as a significant and timely advancement for the nation's ethanol program. Vijendra Singh, President of AIDA, stated that the new standards represent a progressive step reinforcing the government's long-term commitment to higher ethanol adoption, reduced crude oil dependence, and a cleaner mobility ecosystem.
"The publication of BIS standards for E22 to E30 fuels is not just a technical notification but a progressive and forward-looking step that reinforces the Government’s long-term commitment towards higher ethanol adoption, reduced crude oil dependence, and a cleaner mobility ecosystem," said Vijendra Singh, President of AIDA.
AIDA particularly welcomed the inclusion of E25 fuel standards, noting its potential to help absorb surplus sugar and ethanol production capacities within the market.
Path Towards Flex-Fuel Vehicles
Looking ahead, AIDA advocates for India's long-term strategy to incorporate even higher ethanol blends, such as E85 and E100. They foresee flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) playing a pivotal role in significantly increasing ethanol consumption, further strengthening energy security, and establishing a sustainable market for indigenous biofuels.