Chandigarh, Aug 12: The Union Territory administration has announced that E20 petrol — a fuel blend containing 20% ethanol and 80% petrol — will be available in Chandigarh starting September 1, 2025. The rollout will begin with two fuel stations in the city, with plans to gradually expand supply across all outlets in the coming months.
The decision was shared during a review meeting chaired by Adviser to the Administrator Rajeev Verma, where senior officers from the engineering and transport departments, representatives of the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), and other stakeholders were present.
According to officials, the move is part of the central government’s Ethanol Blending Programme aimed at reducing carbon emissions, cutting fuel import bills, and supporting the domestic sugar and grain industries. Chandigarh’s introduction of E20 petrol follows its successful adoption in several other states earlier this year.
An IOC representative informed the meeting that the initial phase will cover two high-volume petrol pumps, chosen for their capacity to handle the new fuel storage and dispensing requirements. The adviser directed the engineering department to coordinate with IOC to ensure all safety protocols and public information measures are in place before the September launch.
Vehicle owners were advised to check manufacturer guidelines before using E20 fuel, as it is most suitable for vehicles manufactured after 2023. However, cars and two-wheelers designed for E10 (10% ethanol blend) can also run on E20 without significant issues, though with slightly reduced mileage.
The administration will also run an awareness campaign to inform residents about the benefits and safe use of E20 petrol. “This is a step towards a cleaner, greener Chandigarh. The public’s cooperation will be key to its success,” an official said.
