Current Affairs - National - Discussion

1 April 2026 marks the official nationwide rollout of E20 petrol with a minimum Research Octane Number (RON) of 95 across all petrol pumps in India. The mandate requires every retail outlet, including public sector units and private oil marketing companies, to replace regular E10 petrol with E20 as the standard grade. This move is a major milestone under the Ethanol Blending Programme aimed at reducing crude oil imports, lowering carbon emissions, supporting farmers through higher ethanol demand, and enhancing engine performance with higher-octane fuel. Higher ethanol blends and special fuels remain outside this mandate.