Aam Aadmi Party chief spokesperson and former minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal conducted inspections at several petrol pumps in the Ajnala area of Amritsar on Tuesday. He ordered the collection of petrol samples to test the ethanol content in the fuel.
The inspection team included District Food and Civil Supplies Controller Sukhjinder Singh and Weights and Measures Inspector Gagandeep Singh. Samples were collected in the presence of department officials for further examination.
Complaints of vehicle damage prompt action
Speaking to mediapersons during the inspection, Dhaliwal said many vehicle owners had complained that ethanol-blended petrol was allegedly causing damage to two-wheelers and four-wheelers. He claimed that motorists were facing frequent repair and maintenance expenses, which prompted him to seek a detailed verification of the fuel being sold at petrol pumps.
Dhaliwal alleged that vehicle owners were suffering financial losses due to damage to engines and other vehicle components. He blamed the policy of blending ethanol with petrol and criticised the Central Government, claiming that it had placed an additional burden on consumers.
Rejection of international comparisons
The Ajnala MLA also rejected the argument that higher ethanol blends are successfully used in some foreign countries. He said the technical design of vehicles and road conditions in India are different and that fuel policies should take local conditions into account.
Call for fuel price reduction
Dhaliwal further urged the government to reduce the prices of petrol, diesel, domestic LPG and commercial gas in view of the decline in international crude oil prices. He said consumers affected by rising inflation should be provided relief by restoring earlier fuel prices, if feasible.
The petrol samples collected during the inspection will be examined to determine the ethanol content and verify whether it complies with the prescribed norms, he claimed.
