By Jag Mohan Thaken
CHANDIGARH: Despite Central government’s assertions and forceful claims that the scientific studies, field validation and extensive real-world operating experience have shown that E20 is a safe, cleaner and technologically superior fuel when used in accordance with the prescribed specifications and manufacturer recommendations, why the usage of ethanol blended petrol is creating suspicious inferences in the minds of vehicle users?
Though the Government claims that its assessment is based not only on laboratory research but also on large-scale experience after nationwide implementation.
About the usage of ethanol blended petrol, the general perception of the public is — ethanol fuel damages older or non-compatible engines primarily through the chemical corrosion, moisture absorption, and solvent action. Ethanol is corrosive and attacks traditional metal alloys, rubber seals, gaskets, and fuel lines, causing cracks and leaks.
Questioning the government’s ethanol policy, the AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal asks, “Why E20-Blended petrol was being forced on consumers despite offering lower mileage, costing more than petrol, providing no foreign exchange savings and delivering no benefit to farmers?”
But the central government reacts that the Government of India has noted certain misleading and unsubstantiated claims being circulated on social media regarding Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP), which appear to be aimed at confusing and misleading the public. It has also been observed that old images and videos are being recirculated in an apparent attempt to garner viewership through sensationalism and create unwarranted concerns regarding ethanol-blended fuel.
Through a PIB release dated June 23, 2026, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas reiterates that the Ethanol Blending Programme is scientifically validated and continuously monitored by the Government.
The government version claims that the Ethanol Blending Programme was launched in 2003 with the objectives of reducing crude oil imports, enhancing energy security and promoting environmental sustainability. The programme has been implemented in a phased manner based on technical preparedness and stakeholder consultations, culminating in the rollout of 20 per cent ethanol blending (E20) from 2023 onwards.
The release also adds that the Government continuously monitors the implementation of the Ethanol Blending Programme in consultation with oil marketing companies, automobile manufacturers, fuel testing agencies and other stakeholders. Since the introduction of E20 petrol, no widespread issues of engine failure or vehicle breakdown attributable to ethanol blending have been reported.
Refuting the engine damage due to moisture absorption by ethanol fuel, the GOI states that a claim currently being circulated relates to the hygroscopic nature of ethanol. It is common knowledge that the entry of water into the fuel tank is undesirable for any fuel, whether ethanol blended or otherwise. Modern vehicles are equipped with design features and safeguards to prevent water entry into fuel tanks.
Government release also claims that the Automobile manufacturers, component suppliers, SIAM, ARAI, testing agencies and Oil Marketing Companies were associated with every stage of the scientific evaluation and phased rollout of E20. The fuel E20 was rolled out only after successful validation of fuel systems, engine durability, drivability, reasonable material compatibility and emissions performance. These studies also established that legacy vehicles do not exhibit any significant variation in performance or abnormal wear and tear due to E20.
Challenging Government’s claims, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener Arvind Kejriwal on July29, 2026, revealed that the Modi Government is coercing automobile manufacturers into remaining silent on the impact of E20 petrol on vehicles manufactured before 2023. Citing discussions with officials from nine automobile companies, he revealed they had acknowledged that E20 could damage nearly 30 crore older vehicles and reduce fuel efficiency, but were unwilling to state this publicly due to pressure from the Centre.
Quoting MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS SHRI SURESH GOPI submitting a written reply in Lok Sabha, PIB release on July 23, 2026, pleads, “One of the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturers serviced 2.84 crore vehicles during FY 2025–26, including approximately 1.5 crore older, non-E20-certified vehicles, without reporting any E20-related engine damage or abnormal component wear. Similarly, one of the leading two-wheeler manufacturers has reported, based on extensive service records, no higher incidence of damage in vehicles operating on E20 compared with earlier fuel blends.”
Addressing a press conference on July 29,2026, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal said, “The Modi Government has resorted to outright ‘gundagardi’ (goondaism) to force E20 petrol on the public. A few days ago, I wrote to 29 companies that manufacture petrol powered two wheelers and four wheelers in our country. In my letter, I asked them to clearly state whether E20 petrol can be used in vehicles manufactured before 2023.”
He continued, “I also asked that if these companies say it can be used, whether they would compensate consumers if their vehicles are damaged or if fuel efficiency declines. None of the 29 companies responded in writing, but I had detailed phone conversations with officials from nine of them.”
Sharing what company officials told him, Arvind Kejriwal stated, “Officials from these nine companies personally told me that the Modi Government is openly threatening them. The technical and engineering reality is that if E20 is used in vehicles manufactured before 2023, it will damage the vehicle, its engine and the fuel train system, and fuel efficiency will also decline.”
Kejriwal added, “The Modi Government has warned these companies that if they say this publicly, they will face consequences. Their plants will be shut down, and they will face raids by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the Income Tax Department and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and their companies could be shut down. That is why they cannot put this in writing.”
“Instead, the Modi Government is pressuring them to certify in writing that E20 is safe. Maruti did so once and had to face the consequences, as the Consumer Court ordered that the vehicle be replaced. The companies say that if they certify E20 as safe, consumers will approach the courts seeking replacement of their vehicles and compensation for damaged components and reduced mileage. That is why they cannot give anything in writing,” he revealed.
Questioning the Centre’s policy, the AAP Chief said, “Why is the Modi Government using goondaism to pressure these companies? It is the public that has to use both the vehicles and the petrol, so why is the Modi Government forcing ethanol on people? There are 30 crore vehicles manufactured before 2023 in our country, including 22 crore two wheelers and 8 crore four wheelers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is determined to turn these 30 crore vehicles into scrap. What is his interest in doing this?”
He concluded by stating, “Ethanol is more expensive than petrol, it has a lower calorific value which reduces mileage, it does not save foreign exchange, and it does not benefit farmers either. Several detailed articles have already been published on this. Areas where ethanol is produced also suffer groundwater contamination for several kilometres, and it causes pollution. In such a situation, why is PM Narendra Modi so interested in ethanol? That is a question everyone should think about.”
If Kejriwal’s allegations are true — that Ethanol is more expensive than petrol, it has a lower calorific value which reduces mileage, it does not save foreign exchange, and it does not benefit farmers either, and the Modi Government is pressuring the companies to certify in writing that E20 is safe, otherwise they will face raids by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the Income Tax Department and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and their companies could be shut down, isn’t it a serious matter? Shouldn’t the government clarify the allegations and constitute an independent judicial enquiry? (IPA Service)
