A recent C-Voter survey indicates that over fifty per cent of voters who support the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) are unlikely to use E20 petrol. The study revealed that 52.5 per cent of NDA supporters expressed a preference against utilising the newly proposed fuel. In contrast, only 18.1 per cent indicated their willingness to use E20 petrol, while 29.5 per cent were undecided. The opposition to E20 petrol was notably more pronounced among voters of opposing parties, with 57.9 per cent rejecting it. Furthermore, 55 per cent of respondents from other political affiliations also opposed the new fuel type. Overall, 55.1 per cent of all survey participants indicated their disapproval of E20 petrol, while merely 17.1 per cent supported it.

Public Concern Over Ethanol Blending Policy

Concerns regarding vehicle performance were prominent, with 52.8 per cent of the respondents asserting that E20 petrol diminishes vehicle mileage. This apprehension extended to 51.2 per cent of NDA voters, while 55.4 per cent of opposition voters raised similar concerns. Additionally, fears related to vehicle damage were substantial, as 54.2 per cent of respondents believed that ethanol-blended petrol could potentially harm most vehicles. Among NDA supporters, 49.9 per cent held this view, while 60.2 per cent of opposition voters shared the same concern. Only 10.9 per cent of respondents felt that E20 would not damage vehicles.

Perceptions of Fairness for Older Vehicles

More than half of the survey participants viewed the mandatory implementation of E20 petrol as unjust towards owners of older vehicles. Overall, 56.3 per cent expressed this sentiment, which included 49.2 per cent of NDA supporters and 65.8 per cent of opposition voters. This widespread concern underscores the potential implications on older vehicle owners and their preferences in the fuel market.

Despite the widespread opposition to E20, a strong majority of respondents supported consumer choice, with 75.9 per cent expressing a desire for both ethanol-blended and traditional petrol to remain available. Support for maintaining this choice remained consistent across various political affiliations, with 72.4 per cent of NDA voters supporting the option. There was also considerable consensus on the expectation that E20 should be priced lower than regular petrol, with 74.5 per cent in favour of reduced costs for ethanol-blended fuel.

Even with lower pricing options, the likelihood of consumer switch remained uncertain, as only 40.8 per cent indicated they would consider E20 if it were cheaper, while 40.4 per cent maintained their opposition regardless of cost.

Divided Public Opinion on Government Claims

The survey also gauged public perception of the government’s assertion that ethanol blending would reduce India’s reliance on crude oil imports. Approximately 37.2 per cent of respondents strongly agreed, and an additional 19.5 per cent somewhat agreed with this statement. Conversely, 17.1 per cent expressed strong disagreement, with 14.1 per cent somewhat disagreeing. When asked to identify the government’s main motivation for promoting E20 petrol, 27.5 per cent believed it was to decrease crude oil imports, 21.3 per cent saw it as support for sugarcane farmers, and 11 per cent considered pollution reduction as the primary goal.

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