New Delhi: Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday accused the Centre of misleading the public to push the nationwide rollout of E20 blended petrol, alleging that the government pressured automobile manufacturers to assure consumers that the fuel would not harm older vehicles.
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, the Aam Aadmi Party leader claimed that six major automobile companies were asked to publicly support the use of E20 petrol in older vehicles. According to Kejriwal, while three manufacturers allegedly refused to issue such assurances, others agreed under pressure and stated that the fuel was safe for legacy models. He disputed these claims, arguing that several vehicle owner manuals specify compatibility with a maximum ethanol blend of 10 per cent and advise motorists to switch to standard petrol if performance issues arise.
Kejriwal said the AAP would seek written guarantees from automobile manufacturers on whether they would compensate customers for any reduction in fuel efficiency or potential long term engine damage linked to the use of E20 fuel. He also announced plans to write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi next week, demanding clarity on who would bear responsibility for compensation if vehicle owners suffer financial losses because of the policy.
The AAP leader argued that introducing the fuel without a legal framework defining liability places an unfair burden on millions of motorists. He claimed the move could affect a large number of older vehicles that were not originally designed to operate on higher ethanol blends.
Kejriwal also criticised the pace of India’s transition to biofuels, saying the government expanded E20 availability from a limited pilot introduced in 2023 to a nationwide rollout across fuel stations in 2026 without providing consumers with sufficient choice or transition time.
He further alleged that the government had presented a misleading picture of international practices, claiming that several countries continue to offer lower ethanol blend options and allow motorists to choose the fuel best suited to their vehicles. Calling for an immediate policy review, Kejriwal urged the Centre to restore the availability of standard petrol or E10 fuel alongside E20 so consumers can decide which option is appropriate for their vehicles.
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