Is the government readying a draft to mandate cars in India run on just 15% petrol?

With the focus shifting toward cleaner and more locally produced energy sources, India may soon take a big step in its fuel strategy. The government is reportedly preparing to introduce draft rules for E85 fuel. This new fuel blend contains up to 85 per cent ethanol and only 15 per cent petrol, making it one of the highest ethanol mixes ever considered in the country. The move comes just after E20 petrol, which has 20 per cent ethanol, became mandatory across India from April 1, 2026.

This new fuel blend contains up to 85 per cent ethanol and only 15 per cent petrol, making it one of the highest ethanol mixes ever considered in the country.

Another reason for this policy change is the ongoing West Asia conflict that has been adversely affecting fuel imports recently. India’s dependency on imported fuel is now forcing this strategy rethink.

A senior government official reportedly told ET Auto that a draft notification allowing E85 fuel is ready. This is expected to be issued shortly. The official reportedly said “market consensus has already been achieved, even preliminary testing of vehicles for E85 has been done and a draft notification is coming shortly”.

The rollout will not be immediate, as E85 requires major changes at multiple levels.

Unlike E20, this higher blend cannot be used in standard petrol engines. It will require flex-fuel-compatible vehicles and separate dispensing infrastructure at fuel stations.

Engines designed for E85 can easily run on lower ethanol blends. However, the reverse is not true. Existing engines, especially older ones, may face performance issues, reduced efficiency, and long-term wear due to corrosion when exposed to high ethanol content.