New Consumer Group Demands Choice Between Ethanol-Blended and Pure Petrol
A new group calling itself the E20 Janta Party has demanded that consumers be given the choice to buy 100% petrol instead of the mandatory ethanol-blended petrol, and has called for the resignation of Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari.
The group's formation was inspired by the success of the student-led movement that protested the medical entrance exam paper leak, which led to the resignation of former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The E20 Janta Party gained over 25,000 followers on social media platform X within hours on Sunday.
The demand has found support among transport operators. The Delhi Taxi and Tourist Transporters and Tour Operators Association has announced a march to Parliament on August 4 against E20 petrol, alleging that the ethanol-blending policy reduces fuel efficiency, increases maintenance costs, and affects engine performance, especially in older vehicles.
According to the association, the use of ethanol-blended petrol has led to higher expenses for drivers, who are already struggling with rising fuel prices. They argue that older vehicles are not designed to run on such blends and suffer from reduced mileage and engine damage.
The E20 Janta Party clarified that it is not seeking subsidies or free fuel, nor does it demand a complete withdrawal of ethanol-blended petrol. Instead, it insists on consumer choice, transparent fuel labelling, and publication of data on the costs, benefits, and impact of fuel blends. It also calls for independent studies on mileage, engine performance, emissions, and maintenance costs.
Currently, ethanol-free 100-octane premium petrol is available in India but only at select fuel stations and at a higher price. In Delhi, premium petrol costs Rs 169 per litre, compared to Rs 102.12 per litre for standard E20 fuel.
The government has not acknowledged widespread complaints. Last week, Minister of State for Petroleum Suresh Gopi told Parliament that the government had not received 'widespread or substantiated' complaints regarding ethanol-blended petrol affecting vehicle performance.
