E20 Petrol Row Intensifies as Kejriwal Alleges Pressure on Automakers (Img: X)
New Delhi: A fresh political controversy has erupted over the Centre's E20 petrol programme after Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal alleged that the government was pressuring automobile manufacturers not to publicly disclose potential concerns regarding the use of E20 fuel in vehicles manufactured before 2023.
Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, Kejriwal claimed he had written to 29 automobile manufacturers seeking clarification on whether older vehicles were compatible with E20 petrol and whether companies would compensate customers if the fuel caused damage or reduced mileage.
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According to Kejriwal, none of the manufacturers responded in writing. He claimed that during conversations with officials from several companies, they allegedly indicated that E20 fuel could affect engines and fuel systems in vehicles manufactured before 2023 and reduce fuel efficiency.
He further alleged that manufacturers were unwilling to make these concerns public due to fear of government action.
Kejriwal also questioned the nationwide rollout of E20 petrol, claiming it could affect nearly 30 crore vehicles and alleging that ethanol-blended fuel offers lower mileage.
The BJP strongly denied the allegations, accusing Kejriwal of spreading misinformation. BJP IT Department head Amit Malviya cited public statements from leading automobile manufacturers, saying they had consistently supported the E20 programme after extensive testing.
According to the BJP, companies including Toyota Kirloskar Motor, Maruti Suzuki, Hero MotoCorp, Hyundai, TVS Motor and Bajaj Auto have publicly stated that E20 fuel is safe for vehicles and that large-scale service data has not shown evidence of abnormal wear, corrosion or engine damage.
The BJP said the E20 rollout followed years of testing involving automobile manufacturers, oil companies and research agencies. It maintained that the programme is backed by engineering studies and industry validation.
The exchange has turned E20 petrol into the latest political flashpoint, with both sides presenting competing claims over its safety and impact on consumers.
