The government has mandated the sale of petrol blended with 20 per cent ethanol from April one, aiming to expand the use of biofuels across the transport sector. The measure will require fuel retailers to supply petrol containing a 20 per cent ethanol blend at relevant pumps. Authorities presented the mandate as part of a broader push to transition towards cleaner fuels and reduce dependence on imported crude.

Oil marketing companies will be responsible for ensuring availability and may adjust logistics and storage to accommodate the higher ethanol proportion. Regulators will monitor compliance and may phase the rollout to address supply chain constraints. The mandate is expected to increase demand for ethanol feedstocks and provide market signals for agricultural producers.

The policy statement noted that blending ethanol with petrol can lower certain emissions and contribute to environmental goals while lessening the fiscal burden of fuel subsidies. Officials signalled that the move could bolster rural incomes by expanding markets for ethanol crops without specifying immediate price support measures. Stakeholders in the fuel and agricultural sectors were advised to coordinate ahead of the compliance date.

Industry associations welcomed a clear timeline but emphasised the need for predictable procurement and sufficient investment in distillation capacity. Analysts expect refiners and blenders to recalibrate procurement plans, and transport operators to adapt to the altered fuel specifications. The government indicated that monitoring mechanisms would be strengthened to ensure steady market transition.

Compliance with the mandate will be evaluated after initial rollout phases, and adjustments may follow based on supply metrics and consumer feedback. The announcement set the effective date as April one and outlined expectations for all retail outlets to implement the change. Observers noted that successful adoption will depend on coordination across supply chain participants and timely reporting.