New Delhi:A nationwide debate over India's ethanol-blended fuel policy intensified on Tuesday after Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal urged the Union government to lower the retail price of E20 petrol, arguing that consumers should not pay the same price for a fuel if it delivers lower mileage.
In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kejriwal sought a review of E20 pricing and requested an appointment to discuss concerns raised by motorists across the country. He maintained that if fuel efficiency declines due to the higher ethanol blend, consumers deserve financial relief through reduced fuel prices.
The demand comes as the Centre continues to expand its ethanol-blending programme, a flagship initiative aimed at reducing crude oil imports, strengthening energy security, cutting emissions, and supporting India's agricultural economy.
Kejriwal also called for all petrol stations to provide both E20 and conventional lower-ethanol petrol (E0/E10), allowing motorists to choose the fuel most suitable for their vehicles. He said consumers should not be left without alternatives while questions remain over mileage and engine compatibility.
The AAP announced that its workers would visit petrol stations to gather public feedback and encouraged vehicle owners experiencing problems with E20 petrol to upload videos documenting their experiences. The party has also launched an online petition addressed to the Prime Minister.
While some motorists have reported lower fuel economy after switching to E20 petrol, automotive experts note that fuel efficiency depends on factors such as vehicle design, engine calibration, driving conditions, and manufacturer specifications. Newer vehicles are increasingly engineered to operate efficiently on higher ethanol blends, whereas compatibility may vary for older models.
The controversy has added a political dimension to India's clean-energy transition, with opposition parties demanding greater consumer choice and transparency as the government pushes ahead with ethanol blending targets.
