Arvind Kejriwal accused the Union government of misleading the public on E20 petrol. He visited a petrol pump and a service station in Delhi, and spoke with motorists to argue that ethanol-blended petrol is reducing vehicle mileage and creating mechanical concerns.
Kejriwal also said that people questioning E20 are being insulted or abused by government ministers. He called such treatment inappropriate and urged the government to listen to consumer grievances and address them.
The communication did not carry a response from the Union government or the Bharatiya Janata Party at the time of reporting.
Background and policy context
E20 refers to petrol blended with 20% ethanol. In India, ethanol blending is part of the wider push for biofuels, with policy goals linked to energy security, lower crude-oil import dependence, and support for the farm-linked ethanol supply chain.
The current controversy has two sides. The Union government frames ethanol blending as a strategic energy policy. Critics raise consumer-facing concerns such as reduced mileage, compatibility of older vehicles, and the need for clearer communication on costs and benefits.
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