New Delhi, July 14: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking a meeting to discuss concerns surrounding E20 petrol and demand greater flexibility for consumers at fuel stations.
Kejriwal, in his letter to the Prime Minister, requested that motorists should be given the option to choose between regular petrol and ethanol-blended E20 fuel instead of having only one option available. He argued that consumers should have the freedom to select fuel according to their vehicle requirements and personal preferences.
The AAP leader said he wanted to personally present technical concerns and public feedback gathered during his interactions with citizens regarding the use of E20 petrol.
Demand for Separate Fuel Options at Petrol Pumps
Kejriwal stated that fuel stations should provide both conventional petrol and E20 petrol so that vehicle owners can make an informed decision.
He said some consumers have raised concerns about the performance of ethanol blended petrol, particularly regarding mileage and vehicle compatibility. According to him, people who prefer traditional petrol should not be denied that choice.
The former Delhi Chief Minister emphasised that a consumer friendly approach would involve making multiple fuel options available rather than enforcing a single choice.
Calls for Lower Prices of E20 Petrol
Along with seeking fuel choice, Kejriwal also raised concerns about the pricing of E20 petrol. He argued that ethanol-blended fuel generally delivers lower mileage compared to petrol with no ethanol blending, and therefore its price should reflect the difference in fuel efficiency.
He suggested that if E20 petrol remains the preferred option at fuel stations, its cost should be reduced to ensure that consumers are not financially impacted.
Public Feedback Becomes Basis for AAP Campaign
Kejriwal said his decision to approach the Prime Minister followed discussions with citizens who shared their experiences and concerns regarding E20 fuel.
The AAP chief informed that his party has launched an online campaign to collect feedback from vehicle owners across the country. Through the petition, people can share issues related to mileage, vehicle performance and other challenges they may have faced after using ethanol-blended petrol.
He said the responses received through the campaign would be compiled and presented before Prime Minister Modi during their proposed meeting.
AAP Appeals for Wider Public Participation
Kejriwal appealed to citizens to participate in the online petition and highlight their experiences with E20 petrol. He said wider public participation would help bring consumer concerns to the attention of policymakers.
He also encouraged AAP workers and supporters to visit petrol pumps and service centres, interact with vehicle owners and document their views through videos on social media platforms.
The party leader said such feedback would help create a broader understanding of the issues being raised by consumers.
Government’s Ethanol Blending Push
India has been promoting ethanol blending in petrol as part of efforts to reduce dependence on imported crude oil, lower carbon emissions and support farmers by increasing demand for ethanol production.
The government has been gradually increasing ethanol blending levels in petrol, with E20 fuel containing 20 per cent ethanol mixed with 80 per cent petrol. The move is part of India’s long-term strategy to achieve energy security and promote cleaner fuel alternatives.
However, concerns have been raised by some vehicle owners and industry observers regarding fuel efficiency, especially in older vehicles that may not have been designed specifically for higher ethanol blends.
Kejriwal Seeks Early Meeting with PM
Kejriwal expressed hope that Prime Minister Modi would grant him an appointment soon to discuss the matter directly.
He said the proposed meeting would provide an opportunity to present public feedback and technical concerns while discussing possible solutions that balance environmental goals with consumer interests.
The AAP chief maintained that giving citizens the right to choose between different fuel options would ensure a more transparent and consumer-focused approach to fuel policy.