Arvind Kejriwal, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor, visited a petrol pump and a vehicle service station in Delhi on Saturday, where he alleged that motorists are experiencing reduced mileage and mechanical issues after using E20-blended petrol. The visit aimed to assess the real-world impact of the ethanol-blended fuel on vehicles.
Kejriwal interacts with vehicle owners
According to the AAP, Kejriwal spoke directly with vehicle owners who were refuelling at the petrol pump and others who had brought their vehicles to the service station for repairs. He sought to understand the problems they faced with E20 petrol, which is a blend of 20% ethanol with petrol. The party claimed that the Centre’s assertions about the fuel's benefits did not match the experiences shared by consumers.
Allegations of government misinformation
In a post on X after the visit, Kejriwal accused the government of spreading “blatant lies” about E20 petrol. He stated that “almost everyone” he spoke to reported a decline in fuel efficiency, and many also complained of mechanical problems. He alleged that ordinary people were facing difficulties because of ethanol-blended fuel, contrary to the government’s claims.
Kejriwal also criticised the Centre for allegedly branding those raising concerns about E20 petrol as “anti-nationals”, “traitors”, and “agents of the petrol lobby”. He argued that such criticism was inappropriate and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to listen to citizens’ grievances instead of dismissing them. Stating that those questioning E20 petrol were expressing genuine concerns, Kejriwal said it was the government’s responsibility in a democracy to hear public complaints and address them.
