India’s government faces mounting criticism over its mandatory use of 20% ethanol-blended petrol. The policy, implemented last year, has sparked protests from consumers unhappy with reduced fuel efficiency and vehicle performance. Attorney General R. Venkataramani recently told a court hearing that E20 is an “experiment,” a statement that has been widely circulated on social media despite the government’s denial.
Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri defended the policy, comparing ethanol use to its application in motor racing where acceleration increases and mileage may slightly decrease. Socialite Tehseen Poonawalla plans a protest against E20 in New Delhi, receiving widespread support from thousands of interested individuals.
Many motorists complain about lack of choice at fuel stations and increased wear on car parts due to E20. Priyank Kharge, a state minister in the opposition Congress party, criticized the policy’s rollout for lacking consultation and accused the government of challenging citizens with pending data.
The government argues that E20 reduces carbon emissions, cuts crude imports, saves foreign exchange, and boosts farm incomes by increasing demand for agricultural feedstocks used in ethanol production.