Arvind Kejriwal Urges Centre to Offer Choice Between Pure Petrol and E20 Fuel

Kejriwal Demands Choice Between Pure Petrol and E20, Urges Centre to Cut Fuel Prices

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday urged the Centre to give consumers the option of choosing between pure petrol and E20 fuel at petrol pumps, arguing that motorists should be free to decide which fuel they want to use.

Addressing the party’s National Town Hall Against E20 at Delhi’s Constitution Club, Kejriwal also demanded that E20 petrol be priced lower than pure petrol and called for the retail price of petrol to be reduced to below ₹84 per litre.

According to the AAP, more than seven lakh people participated in the event through online and offline platforms.

‘Let Consumers Decide’

Kejriwal said the government should not impose a single fuel option on consumers.

“Every petrol pump should sell both pure petrol and E20. Those who want E20 should be free to buy it, while those who prefer pure petrol should also have that option. Let the market decide,” he said.

He argued that since ethanol-blended fuel affects mileage differently across vehicles, motorists should have the freedom to choose the fuel best suited to their vehicles.

Raises Concerns Over E20 Rollout

During his address, Kejriwal questioned the Centre’s decision to accelerate the rollout of E20 petrol and claimed the policy could increase costs for vehicle owners.

He alleged that ethanol-blended fuel may reduce mileage and increase maintenance expenses, particularly for older vehicles, and called on the government to release scientific studies supporting the nationwide implementation of E20.

The AAP leader also claimed he had written to several automobile manufacturers seeking clarification on the compatibility of older vehicles with E20 fuel. According to him, he did not receive any official written responses.

Allegations Over Ethanol Imports

Kejriwal further alleged that India would significantly increase ethanol imports from the United States following the implementation of E20 and linked the policy to the recently announced India-US trade agreement.

He claimed the move would primarily benefit American ethanol producers. The Centre has not accepted these allegations.

Appeal to Consumers

Kejriwal advised consumers to carefully consider purchasing new petrol or diesel vehicles until higher ethanol-compatible vehicles become more widely available, while encouraging buyers to explore electric vehicles as an alternative.

Centre Defends E20 Programme

The Centre has consistently defended the ethanol blending programme, saying it reduces dependence on imported crude oil, lowers carbon emissions and supports India’s biofuel economy.

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari recently told Parliament that while E20 petrol may reduce fuel efficiency by 2% to 6% depending on the vehicle, it does not damage engines. He also said certain rubber components in older BS-III vehicles may require replacement to ensure compatibility with the higher ethanol content.