On July 11, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal visited a petrol pump and service station in New Delhi to engage with vehicle owners regarding the issues associated with E20-blended petrol. He aimed to gather first-hand accounts of consumer experiences concerning the fuel mix promoted by the government.

During his visit, Kejriwal reportedly spoke to numerous vehicle owners, some of whom were refuelling and others who were there for repairs. He claimed that many individuals raised concerns about diminished mileage and various mechanical problems arising after using E20 petrol.

According to Kejriwal, the consumers spoke unanimously about the difficulties faced due to the ethanol-blended fuel, leading him to assert that the government’s claims about E20 were not in line with the true experiences of its citizens. He described the situation as a cause of significant distress for ordinary people.

Kejriwal Voices Concerns on Social Media

Following his interactions, Kejriwal took to the social media platform X to share the problems faced by vehicle owners, conveying a strong message about the perceived failures of the government. He asserted that the issues surrounding E20 petrol have been grossly underestimated.

He further alleged that government ministers have disparaged those opposing E20 petrol, labelling them as anti-national figures, traitors, and various other derogatory terms. He emphasized that such treatment of concerned citizens was inappropriate and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reconsider the government’s response to public dissent.

Kejriwal insisted on the importance of listening to citizens’ voices in a democracy, arguing that the government has a responsibility to address public grievances related to the fuel. He maintained that individuals raising concerns about E20 should not be subjected to insults or derogatory remarks.

Government’s Clarification on E20 Fuel Rollout

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has responded to Kejriwal’s claims regarding E20 fuel and emphasised that the rollout of this petrol blend underwent extensive consultations with automobile manufacturers and relevant stakeholders. The Ministry indicated that maintaining various petrol grades at retail outlets would lead to substantial operational challenges.

In its statement, the Ministry noted that the current infrastructure supporting India’s fuel distribution network is not equipped to manage multiple supply chains simultaneously. It highlighted that automobile manufacturers had backed the transition towards E20 after comprehensive testing, asserting that warranties on vehicles continue to be upheld.

The Ministry acknowledged reports indicating that E20 might reduce fuel economy by three to five per cent in some vehicles. However, it reiterated that the blend also presents numerous advantages, such as a higher octane rating, improved combustion, and lower lifecycle carbon emissions. They argued that the initiative aims to boost energy security by reducing crude oil imports and supporting local farmers through ethanol production.

Furthermore, data from the Ministry indicated that service providers like Maruti Suzuki have serviced large numbers of vehicles, including older non-E20-certified models, without encountering significant E20-related issues. The statement underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring that the transition to E20 fuel is managed effectively and to the benefit of the public.

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