Cockroach Janta Party Win Inspires New Demand for No-Ethanol Petrol Option
NEW DELHI: Following the success of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in securing the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak, a new group called the E20 Janta Party has emerged. The outfit is demanding that consumers be given the option to buy 100% petrol, free from ethanol blending, and has called for the resignation of Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari over the issue.
The E20 Janta Party gained over 25,000 followers on social media platform X within hours of its launch on Sunday. The group said it is not seeking subsidies, free fuel, or a complete withdrawal of ethanol-blended petrol, but only wants consumers to have a choice.
"Every Indian should have the freedom to choose and purchase 100% petrol alongside blended fuel options," the group stated in a post. It also demanded transparent fuel labelling, publication of data on the costs, benefits, and impact of different fuel blends, and independent studies on mileage, engine performance, emissions, and maintenance costs.
The campaign has found support among transporters. The Delhi Taxi and Tourist Transporters and Tour Operators Association has announced a march to Parliament against E20 petrol on August 4. The association alleges that the ethanol-blending policy has reduced fuel efficiency, increased maintenance costs, and affected engine performance, particularly in older vehicles.
While ethanol-free 100-octane premium petrol is available in India, it is sold only at select fuel stations and costs significantly more—Rs 169 per litre compared to Rs 102.12 for standard E20 fuel in Delhi. This makes it unaffordable for most consumers.
The government has recently stated that E20 (20% ethanol blend) is now the standard fuel, and there are no plans to reduce the ethanol-blending percentage. The E20 Janta Party's demand for a no-ethanol option comes amid ongoing debates over the environmental and economic impacts of the blending policy.
