Ethanol-blended E20 petrol has become one of the hottest political flashpoints in Delhi. The Central Government introduced E20 petrol mixed with 20% ethanol as part of its plan to cut India’s dependence on imported crude oil and push cleaner biofuels. But many vehicle owners claim their cars are suffering. Complaints range from reduced mileage and lower pickup to engine trouble, especially in older vehicles not built for higher ethanol blends.
Anurag Dhanda Leads the Charge
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Media In-charge Anurag Dhanda has emerged as one of the loudest voices in this fight. He has repeatedly accused the Modi government of ignoring public complaints and pushing crores of vehicles toward damage and even scrapping. Dhanda claims nearly 30 crore vehicles are at risk and has questioned why the government won’t listen to ordinary citizens facing rising maintenance costs.
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Protests, Petitions, and a Political Standoff
The issue escalated further when AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, along with Manish Sisodia and other party leaders, tried marching toward the Prime Minister’s residence to hand over more than 2.30 lakh petitions collected from citizens across the country. Delhi Police stopped the march, leading to a sit-in protest instead. AAP has also organized a “National Townhall Against E20,” inviting the public and automobile mechanics to share their experiences directly.
What the Government Says
The Centre, on its part, maintains that E20 fuel is safe for newer, E20-compatible vehicles and has already issued clarifications addressing public concerns. Automobile manufacturers advise owners of older vehicles to strictly follow their manufacturer’s fuel guidelines. Importantly, the claims about widespread vehicle damage remain unverified independently and are largely based on social media complaints and public opinion rather than official technical data.
