Govt mandates sale of 20% ethanol-blended petrol from April 1

The Centre has asked oil marketing companies to sell petrol blended with up to 20% ethanol, meeting a minimum Research Octane Number of 95 across the country from April 1, according to a notification by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. RON, or Research Octane Number, is a measure of a fuel’s resistance to engine knocking (pre-ignition). Knocking happens when fuel burns unevenly inside the engine, causing pinging sound, loss of power and possible engine damage over time.

“The Central Government hereby directs that the oil companies shall sell Ethanol Blended Motor Spirit with percentage of Ethanol up to twenty per cent as per the Bureau of Indian Standards specifications and having a minimum Research Octane Number (RON) of 95, in the States and the Union territories,” according to the notification dated February 17.

However, in special circumstances, the government may allow the oil marketing companies to sell ethanol-blended petrol that meets only the required Research Octane Number specifications, as per the Bureau of Indian Standards for specific periods and regions, the notification said.

Ethanol is made from sugarcane, maize, or grain. It is renewable, domestically produced and has cleaner burning than pure petrol.

The government has mandated ethanol blending in petrol to help cut oil imports as also reduce emissions. Such a mandate also supports farmers as it boosts demand for sugarcane, maize and agricultural surplus.

This article has been republished from The Moneycontrol.com