Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal said on Saturday, “Petrol pumps should give customers the option to choose between pure petrol and E20. If this demand is not met, a march will be held to the Prime Minister’s residence on August 4.”
Kejriwal made this statement at a National Town Hall convened on the E20 fuel issue. He stated that he would collect petitions by noon on August 3rd. He would then march with about 100 people to the Prime Minister’s residence.
He asked, “If ethanol is not beneficial, why is it being promoted? Why is the government imposing it on citizens?”
Kejriwal says – ethanol is more expensive than petrol
Kejriwal said, “Groundwater in areas surrounding ethanol plants becomes polluted. I appeal to the government to make public the report it cited to claim that E20 does not harm vehicles.”
People from several states attended the “National Town Hall” and shared their experiences with using E20 and the problems they are facing with their vehicles.
E20 fuel is damaging two-wheelers
Aamir Khan, who has been a mechanic for 12 years, said, “E20 fuel is damaging two-wheelers. If you use E20 fuel and park your vehicle for 15-20 days, the engine won’t start due to a clogged fuel pump. Moss builds up in the reserve tank.”
Swapnil from Odisha said, “With E20 fuel, his car’s average dropped from 14-15 to 8-9 kilometers per liter.” He also pointed out that farmers in Odisha are protesting against ethanol plants. Fish are dying there because of the ethanol plants.
Why is E20 petrol facing opposition in India?
E20 is a blend of 20% ethanol and 80% petrol. It has been facing opposition, particularly from owners of petrol vehicles manufactured before 2023. They claim the fuel reduces mileage, increases maintenance costs, and causes engine components to wear out faster.
AAP had started an online petition addressed to the PM.
The Aam Aadmi Party launched an online petition addressed to the Prime Minister, which has been signed by more than 2 lakh people. After Saturday’s event, he will visit the Prime Minister’s residence to submit the petition.
E20.
Kejriwal alleges Centre is turning 30 crore vehicles into ‘scrap’ with E20 fuel
At a press conference, Arvind Kejriwal said that the government has made an unsuccessful attempt to stop the town hall by showing fear of police.
AAP national convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on July 29 accused the Modi government of forcing E20 petrol on the public and strong-arming automobile companies. Speaking to reporters in Delhi, he claimed that nearly 30 crore vehicles manufactured before 2023 are currently on Indian roads and alleged that the Centre’s E20 fuel policy would effectively turn them into “scrap.”
