About Reference Fuels
- Reference fuels (Gasoline and Diesel) are premium high-value products, used for calibration and testing of vehicles by Auto OEMs and organizations involved in testing and certification in the automotive field.
- IndianOil has successfully commenced the production of Reference Gasoline and Diesel Fuels for the first time in India.
- These fuels are used for calibration and testing of vehicles by Automobile manufacturers and testing agencies like ICAT (International Centre for Automotive Technology) and ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India).
- These indigenously developed products will lead to import substitution at better price and minimum lead time for the Vehicle manufacturers.
- Reference Gasoline fuels will be available in E0, E5, E10, E20, E85, E100 from Flagship Paradip Refinery.
- Reference diesel fuel shall be available in B7 grade from Panipat Refinery.
- The demand of Reference Fuels in India is currently met by importing from other countries.
- The indigenously developed product by IndianOil meets Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) specifications, substitutes imports, and is available at better price with reduced lead time.
- Indian Oil Corporation Limited has established facilities for production of Reference Gasoline Fuels (E-5, E-10 and E-20) at its Paradip Refinery and Reference Diesel Fuel (B-7) at its Panipat Refinery.
Why do we need Reference fuels?
- Reference fuels are required by automobile manufacturers for developing engines and assessing vehicles’ performance to ensure operability in all the global climatic conditions.
- Currently, these reference fuels are being imported by India from select companies of Europe and the US.
Q1) What is E20 fuel?
It is also known as ethanol E20, is a type of motor fuel that contains a blend of 20% ethanol and 80% gasoline. It is commonly used as an alternative to traditional gasoline in some countries, particularly in regions where there is an emphasis on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting renewable energy sources.
Source: Launch of Reference Fuels fosters vision of AtmaNirbhar Bharat: Petroleum Minister Hardeep S Puri
Last updated on November, 2025
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