What is E20 petrol?

E20 is petrol blended with 20% ethanol and 80% petrol. It is the fuel India is rolling out nationwide under the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme.

Ethanol is an alcohol made mainly from sugarcane and surplus grains. Blending it into petrol reduces the crude oil India imports, supports farmers, and lowers vehicle emissions. India reached its 20% average blending target in 2025, well ahead of the original 2030 goal.

Why the switch to E20?

The stated goals are energy security, a boost to the farm economy, and cleaner air. Ethanol burns cleaner than pure petrol, cutting carbon monoxide and other emissions.

Will E20 work in my vehicle?

It depends on the build date. Cars and bikes made from April 2023 (BS6 Phase 2) are E20 material-compliant. Vehicles from April 2020 to March 2023 were generally built for E10 and should be checked. Vehicles before April 2020 were not designed for a 20% blend.

Does E20 affect mileage?

Ethanol carries slightly less energy per litre, so a small drop of about 1–6% is normal. In a compatible vehicle this is expected, not a fault.