NEW DELHI: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Saurabh Bharadwaj on Thursday urged people to support an online petition opposing the mandatory use of E20 petrol, alleging that the fuel leads to lower mileage and vehicle damage.Sharing the campaign on X, Bharadwaj appealed to motorists facing such issues to “raise your voice against forced usage of E20 petrol.”The petition, addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had garnered more than 80,000 signatures at the time of Bharadwaj’s post. The campaign claims there is widespread public opposition to the rollout of E20 petrol and accuses the government of ignoring concerns raised by consumers.“Dear Prime Minister,There is a huge outcry against imposition of E20 petrol across the country. I am distressed to see that the government is not listening to us and is hell bent upon imposing it. There is neither any logic nor science nor engineering nor economics which justifies government’s decisions. Perhaps, there is politics, which is beyond me and I fail to understand,” it reads.Fuel choice and lower E20 prices among key demandsIn the petition, the signatories seek the option to choose between pure petrol and E20 petrol at fuel stations instead of being required to use E20. It argues that consumers should not be compelled to use a fuel they believe adversely affects vehicle performance and longevity.The petition also calls on the government to reduce the price of E20 petrol, contending that its lower calorific value results in reduced mileage compared to conventional petrol. It argues that motorists are effectively paying the same price for a fuel that delivers fewer kilometres per litre.“The government should provide us the choice between pure petrol and E20 at fuel stations, so that we are not forced to use fuel that damages our vehicles,” the petition states. It further demands that the pricing of E20 reflect its lower energy content and fuel efficiency.The campaign comes amid an ongoing public debate over the wider adoption of E20 petrol, a fuel blended with 20% ethanol, as part of the Centre’s biofuel strategy aimed at reducing crude oil imports and lowering emissions. While the government has promoted the transition as environmentally beneficial, some vehicle owners and consumer groups have raised concerns over mileage, compatibility with older vehicles and long-term maintenance costs.
