Arvind Kejriwal urges centre to offer E20, E10 and E0 fuel options at petrol pumps
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal urged the Centre to give consumers the choice of purchasing E20, E10 and E0 petrol at fuel stations, arguing that motorists should be free to decide which fuel blend best suits their vehicles.
Addressing a press conference, Kejriwal alleged that the Centre was pushing the nationwide rollout of E20 petrol despite widespread public concerns. He claimed many vehicle owners have expressed apprehensions over reduced mileage and the possible impact of higher ethanol-blended fuel on engines.
Kejriwal said he would soon write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the government to provide all three fuel variants—E20, E10 and E0—at petrol pumps with separate pricing. He argued that consumers, rather than the government, should decide which fuel they wish to use.
"With folded hands, I request the Prime Minister to accept the people's demand and make E20, E10 and E0 petrol available at fuel stations. Let the public choose according to their preference," he said.
The AAP leader also alleged that the government had approached automobile manufacturers to reassure the public about the use of E20 fuel. He questioned who would bear the cost if motorists experienced lower fuel efficiency or vehicle damage due to the higher ethanol blend.
The Centre, however, has maintained that E20 petrol is safe for compatible vehicles and forms a key part of its ethanol blending programme aimed at reducing crude oil imports, cutting carbon emissions and supporting domestic farmers. Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has dismissed claims that E20 fuel damages engines or adversely affects vehicles, describing such concerns as misinformation.
The issue has triggered a political debate in recent days, with the AAP questioning the implementation of the E20 programme while the government continues to defend the policy as an important step towards cleaner and more sustainable fuel use.
