The search for alternative sources of energy has been driven by the increased cost and depletion of supply of fossil fuels. The alternatives are mainly vegetable oils. Putranjiva roxburghii, a non-edible vegetable oil can be used in diesel engine for its fuel properties which are comparable with diesel. Blends (10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% v/v) of pure Putranjiva oil and diesel are used in Ricardo Variable Compression Diesel Engine to study the performance and emission characteristics at various brake power. Putranjiva oil blends yield better performance at 45 degrees CA bTDC injection timing in comparison to 40 degrees CA bTDC timing for diesel. Maximum 30% blend of Putranjiva oil with diesel can be used as an alternative fuel in diesel engine for it differs very little from diesel in performance and is better than diesel with regard to emissions. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.