Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday questioned the government's claims regarding ethanol-blended fuel, pointing out that the Toyota manual allows only E10 fuel. He warned that 30 crore vehicles, which are non-compatible with E20 fuel, are at risk and demanded assurance of compensation for vehicle owners.
Kejriwal's Press Conference Highlights
Addressing a press conference at the party office in New Delhi, Kejriwal said, "The government is pushing E20 fuel without ensuring that existing vehicles can handle it. Toyota's official manual clearly states that only E10 fuel is permitted. This puts millions of vehicle owners at risk of engine damage." He added that the government should provide a clear compensation mechanism for those affected.
Government's Ethanol Blending Target
The central government has set a target of achieving 20% ethanol blending in petrol (E20) by 2025-26. However, Kejriwal argued that a large portion of the existing vehicle fleet is not designed for E20 fuel. According to industry estimates, about 30 crore vehicles in India are incompatible with E20, potentially leading to costly repairs or reduced engine life.
Demand for Compensation Assurance
Kejriwal demanded that the government assure compensation for vehicle owners whose engines may be damaged due to the use of E20 fuel. He said, "The government must take responsibility. If they force E20 fuel without proper safeguards, they should compensate the people for the damage." He also urged the automakers to clearly specify fuel compatibility in their manuals.
Impact on Automobile Industry
The controversy has sparked concerns in the automobile industry. Many manufacturers have started producing E20-compliant vehicles, but older models remain vulnerable. The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) has previously stated that while new vehicles are being made E20-ready, the transition for existing vehicles requires careful planning and consumer awareness.
Political Reactions
The BJP responded by stating that the government is working on a phased rollout and has already issued guidelines for automakers. Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas said, "The transition to E20 is gradual and backed by scientific studies. Vehicle owners need not panic." However, Kejriwal's remarks have reignited the debate on fuel policy and consumer protection.
