Aam Aadmi Party leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, protested on Firoz Shah Road in New Delhi after police stopped their march to submit 2.3 lakh petitions opposing E20 petrol.
Delhi Police blocked AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal and leaders from marching to the Prime Minister's residence to submit 2.30 lakh petitions against E20 petrol, prompting a sit-in protest.
India's mandatory E20 ethanol-blended petrol rollout faces criticism over mileage and compatibility issues, with opposition citing a NITI Aayog report recommending a phased transition and safeguards for older vehicles. The Supreme Court hearing amplified concerns.
India's Petroleum Ministry clarified that E20 petrol is costlier to produce than pure petrol currently but has protected consumers from volatile oil prices and enhanced energy security. The ministry refuted claims of engine damage or significant mileage reduction from E20 fuel.
The Indian Sugar and Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) has refuted claims that E20 petrol damages vehicles, attracts insects, or invalidates insurance. The industry body stated that the fuel is scientifically validated and urged reliance on verified data, citing government assurances of no engine failures linked to E20.
An app-based cab driver in Delhi highlights the severe economic impact of poor road conditions, arguing that fixing potholes should be prioritized over the introduction of E20 petrol. He details increased repair costs, reduced earnings, and higher fuel consumption due to damaged roads, affecting millions of drivers and logistics operators.
India's Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri dismissed social media claims that E20 ethanol-blended petrol causes engine damage or reduced mileage, calling them 'misinterpretation'. He stated that automobile manufacturers and service providers reported no issues, and E20 has been rolled out nationwide since April last year without widespread problems.
India's nationwide E20 petrol rollout is complete, raising concerns for older vehicles. ARAI tests show mixed results for four-wheeler engines, but two-wheelers performed well. Automakers assert E20 is safe for existing cars after extensive testing.
India's Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has refuted claims that Bhutan refused to import E20 petrol, stating no such offer was made. The ministry clarified that ethanol blending is a scientifically accepted formulation, not adulteration, and extensive testing ensures vehicle performance and reliability.
India's Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas denied reports that Bhutan refused to import E20 petrol, stating no such offer was made. The ministry clarified that ethanol blending is scientifically formulated and internationally accepted, not fuel adulteration, and extensive testing confirms its reliability.
BPCL has officially denied viral social media claims that E20 petrol attracts ants. The company stated there is no scientific evidence, explaining that fuel-grade ethanol lacks sugars and contains insect-repellent denaturants, with petrol's smell dominating.
India has waived excise duty on E22, E25, E27, and E30 ethanol-petrol blends to promote ethanol usage. This move supports the government's plan to establish 500 ethanol fuel stations by 2026, amid rising fuel prices due to the Middle East crisis.
