
National · 106 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.
Arvind Kejriwal raised concerns over the Centre's alleged pressure on automakers regarding the compatibility of vehicles with E20 petrol. He suggested that vehicles manufactured before 2023 might suffer from damage and performance issues. However, the BJP dismissed these allegations, referencing statements from leading industry figures who confirmed E20 petrol’s safety following comprehensive testing and validation, thus reinforcing the automotive sector's support for the E20 initiative.
E20 row: Kejriwal alleges Centre using strong-arm tactics to silence carmakers
Critics have questioned whether all vehicles are fully compatible with E20, flagged the possibility of reduced fuel efficiency and higher maintenance costs, and sought clarity on liability if engine or fuel-system problems arise
Gadkari said automobile manufacturers and vehicle-testing agencies had clarified on E20.
No evidence of engine damage, mileage drop due to E20, Centre tells Parliament
The AAP chief claimed that police approached the Constitution Club and asked it to cancel the booking for the event.
Road transport minister Nitin Gadkari informed Rajya Sabha about E20 fuel impacts. Studies found no major performance impact on overall vehicle operations. BS-VI vehicles continue meeting emission norms when tested with E20 fuel. Legacy vehicles did not exhibit significant performance variations or abnormal wear. However, some BS-III vehicles may require rubber part replacements.
Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has said that petrol blended with 20% ethanol (E20) may lower fuel efficiency by 2-6%, depending on the type and age of the vehicle.
Government ministries have offered varied figures regarding fuel efficiency changes. Older vehicles using E20 fuel may see a slight mileage reduction. The Road Transport Ministry cited a 2-6% potential decrease in efficiency. The Petroleum Ministry indicated a general reduction of about 3-5%. Both ministries stressed that fuel economy depends on driving and maintenance factors.
FCI rice supplied to ethanol distilleries increased from3.2 million tonnesin ESY 2024-25 to 4.4 milliontonnes in the current supply year (up to June 30).
Transport ministry said tests conducted by ARAI, SIAM, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd and automobile manufacturers found no engine durability failures due to E20.
Ethanol blending saved consumers nearly thirty rupees per litre on petrol. Global crude prices reached one hundred thirty-five dollars a barrel recently. The government kept fuel prices unchanged for seventy-five days initially. E20 petrol now costs one hundred two rupees per litre in Delhi. Allegations of foodgrain diversion for ethanol were also rejected.
The petroleum ministry defended ethanol blending, stating it saved consumers nearly thirty rupees per litre. Consumers paid ninety-four rupees seventy-seven paise instead of one hundred twenty-five rupees. The ministry denied diverting foodgrain for ethanol production or using subsidised rice. Vehicles may see a slight efficiency drop when running on E20 fuel. The government consulted stakeholders and validated the E20 fuel program.
The clarification comes as the Centre introduced the use of E20 petrol, a move that has faced criticism from opposition parties and consumer groups.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas defended the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme against the criticisms regarding costs and food security and stated on Friday that retail prices of petrol in Delhi would have shot up to about ₹125 per litre during peaks of global crude oil if ethanol blending had not been introduced in the country.The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas highlighted the significant financial relief extended to citizens amid volatility in international markets, "The result? Nearly ₹30 per litre in savings at the pump during the peak of the crisis. The value of etha
Over the past few years, there has been an increase in the cultivation of maize crop in Punjab
Don't stop ethanol: Punjab farmers warn rolling back E20 could hurt incomes
The scheduled march marks the latest in a series of attacks by the AAP targeted towards the Centre's fuel-blending policy.
Arvind Kejriwal announced a march to the Prime Minister's residence on Tuesday. He demanded consumers have a choice between pure petrol and E20 fuel. Kejriwal also called for E20 fuel to be priced lower than pure petrol. He challenged the government to release scientific studies supporting the E20 fuel policy. The AAP leader advised consumers to consider electric vehicles for future transportation needs.
The former Delhi chief minister made the announcement at the “National Townhall Against E20”.
In his letter, AAP’s Arvind Kejriwal had sought the availability of options for both pure petrol and E20 fuel at petrol stations, besides demanding a reduction in the price of ethanol-blended petrol
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari's reply in Parliament on July 29 on the nationwide rollout of E20 petrol raises more questions than it answers
Government agencies are considering releasing the ARAI study on E20 fuel's impact. This report, submitted in June 2024, studied E10-compatible vehicles. Fuel consumption increased slightly for two-wheelers and cars in the study. Mass emissions met regulatory requirements for all vehicles tested. The release aims to remove misconceptions among vehicle users about E20 fuel.
Arvind Kejriwal E20 protest LIVE: AAP national convenor and former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal will march to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence today to submit petitions opposing E20 petrol.
Arvind Kejriwal on way to PM Modi's home to protest against E20 fuel issue
The Ministry of Petroleum has rolled out enhanced fuel quality measures, implementing water ingress testing that occurs multiple times a day at various fuel stations. In a comprehensive assessment, more than two thousand samples were analyzed for contaminants, revealing minimal problems. Sales were promptly halted at locations with verified contamination. The Ministry warns that stringent penalties will be enforced against any future instances of adulteration.
Arvind Kejriwal's E20 protest stopped en route to PM residence in Delhi
Punjab's Assembly passed a resolution opposing the Centre's E20 fuel policy. Concerns were raised about potential vehicle damage from the higher ethanol blend. The state questioned the accelerated rollout and alleged external pressure influenced the decision. The Aam Aadmi Party is campaigning nationwide against the policy. They demand consumer choice and lower prices for the blended fuel.
AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal urges citizens to protest against E20 fuel, asserting AAP’s commitment to halt its implementation and support local farmers
New Delhi: Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) has taken note of certain media reports that have cited excerpts from a SIAM communication, with specific and selective focus on chloride and sulphur content in fuel.In an official statement, SIAM has clarified the matter and placed it "in its correct context for the benefit of the public and all stakeholders."According to the press release from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), fuel quality testing under the prevailing regulatory framework is a rigorous and comprehensive process, covering more than 150 parameter
Vile and abusive: Court orders removal of fake videos linking Gadkari to E20 row
Bombay HC orders removal of ‘vile posts’ against Union Minister Nitin Gadkari
Car parts getting damaged from fuel, says automakers' body, ties itself in knots
The Modi Government's Transport Minister (Nitin Gadkari) had claimed that ethanol blending would bring diesel costs down to Rs. 50 per litre and provide a petrol alternative at Rs. 55 per litre. No such reduction has materialised, says Congress leader Jairam Ramesh
No abnormal wear or tear: E20 petrol safe for pre-2017 vehicles says Nitin Gadkari
E20 blended petrol helps reduce pollution by emitting less carbon into the atmosphere.
The Congress leader said the party would take up the issue aggressively and claimed the rollout was hurting vehicle owners across the country.
“Our problem right now is that there is so much corruption that there is a huge line in what we have to sequence,” says the Congress leader
The OMCs based their assurance on E20’s reliability based on checks across retail outlets, refineries and at the point of ethanol procurement, that is, distilleries.
The OMCs said they treat fuel quality as a matter of the highest priority.
Nationwide testing of E20 discovered no evidence to support claims of high moisture or chloride contamination in ethanol, as per the companies' statement.
OMCs have further strengthened surveillance by conducting water-ingress and density tests
Arvind Kejriwal comments come as part of his solution to pressure the Modi govt to roll back E20 fuel policy.
E20 will hurt India's economy: Arvind Kejriwal intensifies attack on govt
BJP MP Janardan Mishra staunchly defended the Centre's ethanol-blending initiative, which has sparked significant debate. He questioned the motives of critics while emphasizing India's dependence on foreign crude oil. Drawing parallels with Brazil's effective use of ethanol in transportation, Mishra reassured that Indian specialists affirm ethanol's compatibility with vehicle engines. He contended that dissent against ethanol blending is unwarranted for our progress.
Tests found that ethanol-blended diesel did not meet the required diesel flash-point specification because the flash point fell sharply in the presence of ethanol, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi said
Ethanol-blended diesel fails safety specifications, lowering its flash point significantly. Public sector oil companies tested these blends, finding them unsuitable for current use. India is expanding ethanol use in petrol and exploring it for cooking fuel. Oil marketing companies have already procured large volumes of ethanol for blending. Further decisions on petrol blending will follow scientific and technical studies.
Don't oppose blindly: Punjab farmers attack CM Mann over E20, seek talks with Centre
India's ethanol program surpassed eight hundred crore liters in the latest supply year. Grain-based feedstocks now dominate ethanol production, accounting for seventy-six percent in July. Maize and surplus FCI grains significantly contributed to this growing grain-based ethanol supply. Sugarcane-based ethanol supplies saw a decrease in their share of the monthly mix. The industry now focuses on expanding demand to match increased production capacity.
In August, the government told the Lok Sabha that the ethanol blending programme had helped save around ₹2 lakh crore in foreign exchange. However, Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal, have launched campaigns against E20, saying it harms vehicles and that the government is forcing it on people
The rollout of E20 petrol has sparked dissatisfaction among motorists, with hundreds claiming the fuel has lowered vehicle mileage, increased wear and tear and even prompted at least one legal challenge.
E20 standards copy-pasted from US: Tehseen Poonawalla shares Gadkari video
Maruti, Tata, Mahindra flagged E20 fears to auto manufacturers body
Tehseen Poonawalla under house arrest before E20 protest, offers cops sugarcane juice
Kurubur Shanthakumar attributes the rising price of sugar to the ‘substantial profits’ made by the sugar factories from ethanol production
When sugar daddy is scared...: Tehseen Poonawalla claims detention at E20 protest
Ethanol is produced from agricultural feedstocks, including sugarcane and grains.