Congress national spokesperson Kuldeep Singh Rathore has sharply criticised the Central government's nationwide rollout of E20 petrol, which contains 20 percent ethanol. Speaking at a press conference in Shimla, Rathore alleged that the policy is being implemented without adequate scientific validation and at the expense of millions of vehicle owners across the country.
E20 Fuel Under Supreme Court Scrutiny
Rathore highlighted that the matter came before the Supreme Court of India on June 30. According to him, the Attorney General of India submitted during the hearing that E20 fuel is currently being implemented only as an experimental measure and has not yet been fully or formally adopted. This admission, Rathore argued, exposes the government's contradictory stance.
“If E20 is still under experimentation, why has it been introduced across the country? Scientific trials are normally conducted on a limited number of vehicles under controlled conditions. The Centre cannot convert the vehicles of ordinary citizens into a nation-wide testing laboratory,” Rathore said.
Alleged Engine Damage and Reduced Efficiency
Rathore claimed that the use of E20 fuel is adversely affecting vehicle engines and reducing fuel efficiency, particularly in older vehicles. He further alleged that even a senior official of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) had acknowledged that vehicles experience lower mileage when using E20 fuel. He questioned whether the government intends to compensate citizens whose vehicles may suffer engine damage or financial losses as a consequence of the ongoing implementation.
Demand for Suspension and Consumer Choice
Calling for immediate government intervention, Rathore urged the Centre to suspend the implementation of E20 petrol until transparent, independent, and scientifically verified studies establish its long-term safety and effectiveness. He also demanded that consumers be given the freedom to choose between conventional petrol and ethanol-blended petrol instead of being compelled to use only E20 fuel.
“The government must not force citizens to be guinea pigs in a national experiment. If the fuel is still under trial, it should be tested on government vehicles, not on the vehicles of the common man,” Rathore added.
