India's government has officially notified the introduction of higher ethanol-blended petrol variants, including E22, E25, E27, and E30, as part of its ongoing initiative to promote cleaner fuels and enhance energy security. This announcement follows the successful implementation of the E20 blending program, which reached its target five months ahead of schedule in 2022. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has established a new standard, IS 19850:2026, for these higher blends, which aim to reduce emissions and support the domestic agricultural sector. As global crude oil prices remain high, the government is increasingly focusing on ethanol blending to mitigate dependence on imported oil, which currently accounts for nearly 85% of India's crude requirements.

Despite some consumer concerns regarding the impact of E20 fuel on vehicle performance, Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has stated that there have been no officially reported engine failures since E20 became the standard. While the government reassures consumers about the benefits of E20, including improved acceleration and lower carbon emissions, there are worries about compatibility issues for older vehicles. The rollout of E22-E30 fuels will happen gradually, with no specified timeline for availability at retail stations.