The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition filed against the rollout of 20 per cent ethanol-blended petrol (E20) without giving choice to consumers to opt for ethanol-free fuel. A Bench of Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran passed the order after the Government opposed the plea, questioning the credentials of the petitioner and claiming that E20 fuel benefits sugarcane farmers.
“Dismissed,” the Court said, rejecting the plea. The petition was filed by advocate Akshay Malhotra and argued by Senior Advocate Shadan Farasat.
According to the petitioner, vehicles manufactured in India before April 2023 are not compatible with ethanol mixed petrol and vehicles as recent as two years old, though BS-VI compliant, are also not compatible with ethanol mixed petrol, wherein the percentage of ethanol is twenty per cent. The petitioner argued that consumers have to be given an option to choose non-E20 fuel.
While he conceded that E20 is a logical progression as far as fuel is concerned, most vehicles today are not compatible with the same. “E20 is a logical progression, but cars need to be made compatible along with engine calibration. Non-availability of E10 petrol for existing customers is what we are challenging. We want options. We do not want E20 to go,” Farasat said.
The petition highlighted that in the United States of America, ethanol-blended petrol to the extent of 10 per cent is standard, but ethanol-free petrol is also available and in the European Union, blends of five per cent and 10 per cent co-exist with clear labelling.
“In India, without informing the consumers, only ethanol-blended petrol is made available to the public without any labelling or display of composition of the fuel,” said the plea.
“This petitioner is an Englander (sic). Somebody from outside will dictate what petrol to use. Sugarcane farmers are benefitting from this. Now they will tell us don’t,” said Attorney General R Venkataramani, objecting the PIL.