It is renewable, domestically produced and has cleaner burning than pure petrol.The government has mandated ethanol blending in petrol to help cut oil imports as also reduce emissions. The insistance on minimum RON 95 is to prevent engine damage.RON, or Research Octane Number, is a measure of a fuel's resistance to engine knocking (pre-ignition). Ethanol naturally has high octane value (around 108 RON). Blending 20 per cent ethanol in petrol, increases knock resistance. According to the oil ministry, since 2014-15 India has saved more than ₹1.40 lakh crore in foreign exchange through petrol substitution.>

Source: Economic Times February 26, 2026 13:13 UTC