Aaditya Thackeray Urges PM Modi to Let Consumers Choose Between Pure Petrol and Ethanol Blend
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Worli MLA Aaditya Thackeray has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting the government to reconsider the mandatory blending of ethanol in petrol and provide consumers with a choice between pure petrol and ethanol-blended fuel.
In his letter dated July 16, 2026, Mr. Thackeray highlighted that lakhs of vehicle owners, particularly from the middle class and youth, have expressed concerns over the increasing percentage of ethanol in petrol. He noted that many families purchase two-wheelers or cars after years of savings and loan repayments, and expect the vehicles to deliver the performance and mileage promised by manufacturers.
Mr. Thackeray stated that citizens have reported lower mileage and reduced performance with higher ethanol blends. He added that many vehicles currently on the roads were not designed for such blends, and owners feel they are being made to bear the consequences without any alternative.
The letter also raised questions about the environmental sustainability of the policy. Sugarcane, the primary source of ethanol production in India, requires large amounts of water, Mr. Thackeray pointed out, referencing water scarcity in several parts of the country. Citizens have questioned whether this is the most sustainable approach, he added.
Mr. Thackeray noted that a perception exists that the policy benefits certain companies and industry groups more than ordinary citizens. He said these concerns require transparent addressal, regardless of their accuracy.
Drawing examples from other countries, Mr. Thackeray said consumers in many nations have the freedom to choose the fuel they use. He requested the government to make both options available — 100% petrol and ethanol-blended petrol for those who opt for it. This would protect consumer choice, prevent inconvenience to existing vehicle owners, and build public confidence in government policies, he argued.
India has been progressively increasing the ethanol blend in petrol as part of its National Policy on Biofuels. The government aims to achieve 20% ethanol blending (E20) by 2025-26. However, critics have raised concerns about the impact on vehicle engines, fuel efficiency, and water usage for sugarcane cultivation. The government maintains that ethanol blending reduces oil imports and supports farmers.
