Kejriwal slams E20 petrol rollout, claims vehicles suffer
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Friday accused the Central Government of treating India as an 'experiment lab' by promoting E20 petrol. In a statement, he claimed that the ethanol-blended fuel is causing breakdowns, damaging vehicle parts, and reducing mileage, leading to widespread public anger.
Kejriwal announced he would write a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging a review of the policy. He also appealed to citizens to share their experiences and suggestions via direct messages and comments, promising to include them in his letter to the PM.
No evidence provided for claims of vehicle damage
Kejriwal did not cite specific data or evidence to support his allegations of reduced mileage or vehicle damage. His remarks come amid ongoing debate over the Centre's E20 fuel initiative, which aims to blend 20% ethanol with petrol.
The Central Government has consistently defended the policy, stating that ethanol-blending reduces India's dependence on imported crude oil, lowers emissions, and supports the agricultural sector. Government agencies have also asserted that vehicles certified for E20 fuel can operate safely with the blend.
Controversy over fuel efficiency and older vehicles
Reports indicate that E20 fuel can cause a 2% to 12% drop in fuel efficiency, and older vehicles manufactured before March 2023 may face compatibility issues. This has triggered consumer backlash and legal scrutiny. While the government highlights the policy's benefits for energy security and the environment, critics point to the lack of choice for owners of older vehicles and the potential for increased maintenance costs.
Kejriwal's intervention adds a political dimension to the controversy, as the AAP leader seeks to rally public opinion against the Modi government's energy policy.
