Congress Claims Public Anger Mounting Over E20 Petrol Rollout

New Delhi, Aug 03 : The Congress on Monday intensified its criticism of the nationwide introduction of E20 petrol, accusing the Centre of failing to address growing concerns over the fuel’s impact on vehicles. The party said motorists deserve greater transparency and evidence backed assurances as reports of performance related issues continue to surface.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh referred to Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari’s statement in Parliament on July 29, saying the government’s response had left several important questions unanswered. While the minister maintained that E20 fuel was introduced only after extensive scientific evaluation and that there was no proof of widespread vehicle damage, Ramesh argued that public concerns remain unresolved.

According to the Congress leader, vehicle owners and automobile mechanics across the country have reported problems ranging from lower fuel efficiency and reduced engine performance to compatibility issues in older petrol vehicles. He also cited complaints involving clogged fuel injectors, corrosion in fuel systems, cold-start difficulties and faster deterioration of rubber components in vehicles manufactured before 2023.

Ramesh further claimed that consumers now have limited alternatives because E20 petrol has become widely available across the country. He referred to an independent survey conducted in June 2026 involving more than 44,000 owners of pre-2023 petrol vehicles, alleging that a significant number of respondents experienced adverse effects after the rollout of the blended fuel.

The Congress leader also recalled remarks made by Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri in September 2025, when complaints regarding vehicle damage linked to biofuels were dismissed. He argued that subsequent technical assessments have highlighted issues that deserve closer attention.

Citing findings from a July 2026 report by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and observations contained in NITI Aayog’s Ethanol Blending Roadmap, Ramesh said the transition to higher ethanol blends could accelerate the wear of rubber parts such as hoses, seals and gaskets in vehicles originally designed for E10 fuel. He further claimed that durability studies had recorded engine related concerns and indicated a greater risk of corrosion in certain fuel system components.

The Congress also argued that ethanol blended fuel could reduce mileage in several categories of vehicles, particularly older models, and urged the government to make all technical assessments and supporting data publicly available.

Maintaining that public concerns are increasing, the opposition party called for greater accountability and a transparent review of the nationwide rollout, saying consumers should receive clear information about the long-term implications of using E20 petrol.