National · 25 updates
As car and bike owners report clogged injectors, damaged fuel pumps, and contaminated petrol across the country, a look at competing claims on what is driving the complaints, and whether ethanol is really to blame
As the transition to E20 continues, many questions continue to be discussed legally with courts continuing to address issues relating to consumer rights, liability, warranty and regulatory safeguards on a case by case basis
The minister said the government had received no "widespread or substantiated complaints" from vehicle manufacturers, automobile associations or consumer groups over engine failure
Suresh Gopi said: “So far, no decision has been taken by the Government for increasing ethanol blending with petrol beyond 20%.”
Suresh Gopi, Minister of State for Petroleum also informed no decision had been taken to blend ethanol with diesel for commercial usage
India achieved the target of 20% ethanol blending five years ahead of schedule
Executives of OMCs said on condition of anonymity that they have intensified quality control efforts.
Those who gathered at the rally organised by Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS saw the protests as a ‘personal victory’; slogans raised calling for the resignation of Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari over E20 fuel rollout
‘E20 Janta Party’ has quickly risen in popularity on social media, rallying support against Union minister Nitin Gadkari's E20 ethanol-blended petrol initiative
Critics claim that E20 fuel leads to a drop in mileage and damages vehicle engines.
Nitin Gadkari has alleged that some content on social media is linking him and his family to E20 profits despite the policy being run by the Petroleum Ministry.
"We are starting a National Town Hall this Saturday afternoon. Residents of Delhi-NCR can attend in person; those from outside can join online,” AAP chief said.
The Bombay High Court has permitted Gadkari to institute the civil suit.
Harish Sabharwal, national president, All India Motor Transport Congress, said they are protesting against the government for making E20 fuel the only choice for consumers.
Nitin Gadkari states that although he has served as the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways since 2014, he has no role in the E20 policy decisions.
"We are inviting people to join in large numbers on this platform, where we will discuss how to create pressure on the central government to withdraw the E20 petrol. Experts and people who have faced problems with their vehicles, all are invited," says Arvind Kejriwal
Union minister Nitin Gadkari filed a civil suit seeking removal of deepfakes. These AI-generated videos falsely link him and his family to financial gains. The suit asserts the ethanol program falls under another ministry's jurisdiction. The Bombay High Court granted permission to file the defamation suit. Gadkari aims to stop the circulation of fabricated online content.
While AAP has announced a campaign against the E20 policy starting next month, transport unions in the national capital are also planning a protest march.
The group describes itself as a citizen-backed movement with no political affiliation.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas clarified E20 petrol use is not a valid reason for insurance claim rejection. Government sources have dismissed claims that using E20 fuel will invalidate vehicle insurance policies. Assertions about widespread engine damage or insect attraction from ethanol-blended petrol lack scientific basis. The Ethanol Blending Programme is scientifically validated and implemented with industry consultation.