The Supreme Court is set to hear a petition on August 31 concerning the accurate labelling of ethanol at fuel stations across the country. The legal plea urges the apex court to direct the central government and other relevant respondents to ensure precise labelling of ethanol content in petrol sold at retail outlets. According to the cause list for August 31, the matter will be presented before a bench comprising Justice M.M. Sundresh and Justice Prasanna B. Varale.
Demand for Ethanol Percentage on Fuel Bills
Filed by Narendra Kumar Goswami, the petition requests directions ensuring that every fuel-related receipt clearly and legibly displays the precise percentage of ethanol contained in the petrol sold. The petitioner emphasizes that this information should be presented in a manner that is easily readable for everyday consumers, enabling them to be fully aware of the fuel composition entering their vehicles.
Public Database for Blend Suitability Across Vehicles
The petition further asks that the respondents be directed to create and publish an official public database within a stipulated timeframe detailing the suitability of various ethanol blends for different vehicles. This database is envisioned to contain vehicle-specific information searchable by manufacturer, model, engine type, and year of manufacture, thereby providing clarity to vehicle owners regarding fuel compatibility.
Call for an Independent Expert Committee
Additionally, the plea seeks the establishment of an independent expert committee comprising representatives from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the Bureau of Indian Standards, and independent automobile engineers. The petition suggests that this committee should examine the actual ground-level impact of using E20 fuel, which contains twenty percent ethanol, in existing vehicles and submit a public report on the matter.
Sugar Prices and Ethanol Production Clarification
Amid ongoing discussions linking domestic sugar prices to the blending of ethanol in petrol, the government has clarified the situation. Authorities have maintained that the increasing prices of sugar bear no connection to ethanol production, stating instead that the price fluctuations in sugar are driven by industry factors.
