Govt mandates sale of E20 petrol with up to 20 per cent ethanol and a minimum Research Octane Number (RON) 95 across all states and union territories from April 1, 2026. NEW DELHI: The government has mandated the sale of petrol with up to 20 per cent ethanol and a minimum Research Octane Number (RON) of 95 across all states and union territories from April 1, 2026. The oil ministry in a February 17 notification said, "the central government hereby directs that oil companies shall sell ethanol-blended motor spirit (petrol) with percentage of ethanol up to 20 per cent as per the Bureau of Indian Standards specifications and having minimum RON of 95, in states and union territories." The central government can allow exceptions in special situations, for specific regions and for a limited time.