India
A group of critics of the Centre’s ethanol-blending programme is set to hold a public protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Sunday, marking what organisers describe as the first organised demonstration against India’s E20 fuel rollout. The protest is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. and is expected to focus on concerns surrounding the government’s push for higher ethanol blending in petrol.
The campaign has been spearheaded by political analyst Tehseen Poonawalla and supported by several activists and automobile enthusiasts who have been questioning the implementation of the E20 policy. Organisers say their primary objection is not to ethanol itself, but to what they describe as the mandatory nature of the fuel transition.
According to the organisers, motorists should have the freedom to choose between different fuel blends, including E0, E5, E10 and E20, rather than being limited to a single option. They have also demanded that all studies, testing data and policy-related documents concerning ethanol blending be made publicly available to ensure greater transparency.
Poonawalla announced the demonstration through social media and called on supporters to participate in what he described as a campaign against the “Ethanol Scam.” He said the protest would also feature a press conference aimed at challenging the government’s position on the issue. In subsequent posts, he clarified that the movement is not opposed to the use of ethanol as a fuel additive but seeks consumer choice and access to comprehensive information regarding the policy.
Another organiser, political analyst Ratan Dhillon, stated that preparations for the demonstration have been completed. However, he noted that the organisers were awaiting final approval from Delhi Police. According to Dhillon, authorities have indicated that permission could be withheld if concerns arise regarding crowd size and public order.
The planned sit-in comes amid a growing debate over the impact of E20 petrol on vehicles and fuel systems. While critics have raised concerns on social media and automotive forums about possible engine compatibility issues and other long-term effects, industry experts and government officials have repeatedly maintained that E20 fuel is safe and has undergone extensive testing.
Responding to the controversy, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri dismissed allegations that E20 petrol damages engines or attracts pests, calling such claims baseless and unsupported by scientific evidence. Speaking in Rajasthan, the minister said the government remains open to constructive criticism and suggestions for improving its biofuel programme.
Puri emphasized that ethanol is not a new technology and has been used as a transportation fuel component for more than a century. He urged the public to rely on scientific findings rather than misinformation circulating online. While welcoming genuine feedback, the minister reiterated the government’s confidence in the ethanol-blending initiative, which is aimed at reducing dependence on imported crude oil, promoting cleaner fuels and supporting India’s agricultural sector.
The protest is expected to bring renewed attention to the debate over ethanol-blended fuel as both supporters and critics continue to argue over its economic, environmental and consumer implications.
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