Kejriwal urges public to halt petrol, diesel vehicle purchases until E20 fuel stand clarified

Panaji: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday appealed to the public to stop buying petrol and diesel vehicles until the central government clarifies its position on E20 fuel, raising concerns over the lack of testing before the introduction of the ethanol-blended petrol.

Addressing a press conference in Goa, Kejriwal said, "Till such a time, the government makes its intention clear, I appeal to the people to stop buying petrol and diesel vehicles. The government did not conduct any testing for E20 fuel."

E20 fuel is a blend of 20% ethanol with petrol. The Union government has been promoting ethanol blending as part of its efforts to reduce oil imports and lower vehicular emissions. The government has set a target of achieving 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025-26, advancing the earlier goal of 2030.

However, concerns have been raised about the compatibility of existing petrol and diesel vehicles with higher ethanol blends. Ethanol is corrosive to certain rubber and plastic components, and older vehicles may not be designed to run on E20 without modifications. Automakers have been asked to produce E20-compliant engines, but a significant portion of the existing vehicle fleet remains unaffected by such standards.

Kejriwal's appeal comes amid a broader debate over the readiness of the country's automotive ecosystem for the transition to higher ethanol blends. While the government has maintained that E20 fuel is safe and has been introduced after consultations with stakeholders, critics argue that independent testing and public awareness campaigns have been insufficient.

The Aam Aadmi Party convenor also questioned the absence of field trials for E20 fuel, saying that the move could lead to technical problems in vehicles and financial losses for consumers. He urged the government to delay the rollout until proper testing is done and the public is given clear guidelines.

In response to queries, Kejriwal said his appeal was not against ethanol blending per se, but against the lack of transparency and preparedness. "We are not opposing the use of ethanol. We are only asking for clarity so that people do not end up with vehicles that may not be compatible with the fuel being sold," he explained.

The announcement has sparked discussions among industry experts and motorists. While some have welcomed the cautionary stance, others have pointed out that the transition to cleaner fuels is essential and that such appeals could create confusion in the market.

The central government has not yet issued an official response to Kejriwal's statement. Earlier, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas had said that E20 petrol is being introduced in a phased manner and that all new vehicles will be made compliant within the stipulated timeline.

As the debate continues, consumers are advised to stay informed about fuel specifications and vehicle compatibility. The matter also highlights the need for clear communication between policymakers and the public to ensure smooth implementation of major policy changes.