Overview
- Bureau of Indian Standards has notified specifications for higher blends from E22 to E30 and the road transport ministry circulated a draft to recognise E100 for vehicles, with trials for very high blends discussed for later this year.
- The Centre has opened consultations with automakers on a proposed two‑to‑three year transition to make E25 the next standard, and the Automotive Research Association of India is developing test metrics for vehicle compatibility.
- Oil companies and retailers are planning pilot dual‑dispensing pumps and separate storage at select stations, and several manufacturers are preparing flex‑fuel models with Maruti reported to debut a mass‑market FFV in early June.
- A large LocalCircles consumer survey found roughly half of owners of petrol cars bought in 2022 or earlier reported lower mileage since E20, and many respondents also reported wear or repairs linked to fuel‑system rubber and plastic parts.
- The shift could lower crude imports and save money for the country but raises open questions about pump pricing, state taxes, consumer safeguards for older vehicles, and the pace of infrastructure roll‑out.