Kejriwal demands E20-petrol choice, announces march to PM's residence on August 4
New Delhi, August 1: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday demanded that the government allow consumers to choose between E20-blended petrol and pure petrol at fuel pumps. He also announced a march to the Prime Minister's residence on August 4 to submit petitions on the issue.
Addressing a town hall-style meeting on E20 fuel at the Constitution Club of India, Kejriwal said he would collect petitions at noon on Tuesday and lead a march of around 100 people to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence on Lok Kalyan Marg. The former Delhi Chief Minister also demanded a reduction in the price of E20-blended petrol and an overall cut in petrol prices.
Kejriwal further urged the government to make public the report it cited to claim that E20 does not damage vehicles. "The Centre says studies have been conducted and E20 does not harm vehicles. I want them to share that report," he said.
The meeting saw participation from people across states who shared their experiences and concerns regarding the use of E20 fuel and issues they claimed to be facing with their vehicles.
E20 is a blend of 20% ethanol and 80% petrol. The government has been promoting ethanol blending to reduce oil imports and cut emissions. However, concerns have been raised about the compatibility of older vehicles with higher ethanol blends, as well as the fuel's effect on mileage and engine components.
The government has maintained that E20 is safe for vehicles manufactured after a certain date and has cited studies to support its position. However, critics argue that the transition should be phased more carefully and that consumers should have the option to choose between blends during the transition period.
Kejriwal's announcement comes amid an ongoing political debate over fuel prices and environmental policies. The AAP has previously raised concerns about the impact of E20 on the public and has called for more transparency in the government's decision-making process.
The march on August 4 is expected to draw attention to these demands, with petitioners seeking to submit their grievances directly to the Prime Minister's office.
