Controversy surrounding India's ethanol-blended petrol mandate has escalated following the launch of a new public campaign group named E20 Janta Party. Drawing inspiration from the protest methods of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which recently mobilised students over the NEET paper leak controversy and demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, this new outfit is taking aim at the country's fuel policy. The group is demanding that consumers be given the option to purchase 100% pure petrol while seeking the resignation of Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari.
Transport Unions Backing Campaign with August 4 Parliament March
The campaign has quickly gathered momentum among commercial vehicle operators. The Delhi Taxi and Tourist Transporters and Tour Operators Association has officially extended its backing to the cause and announced a protest march toward Parliament scheduled for August 4. Representatives from the transport association allege that the current ethanol-blending policy has led to a noticeable drop in fuel economy, increased routine maintenance expenses, and accelerated mechanical strain on vehicle engines, particularly impacting older vehicle models across the city.
Surge in Social Media Support and Detailed Charter of Demands
Reflecting growing public attention, the E20 Janta Party accumulated over 25,000 followers on social media platform X within hours of its emergence on Sunday. Clarifying its stance, the campaign group emphasised that it is not demanding free fuel, financial subsidies, or a complete ban on ethanol-blended petrol. Instead, its core demand centers on consumer freedom to choose pure petrol over blended variants. The group is calling for transparent labeling at all retail outlets so buyers know exact blend ratios. Additional demands include the mandatory publication of all official data regarding blending costs, economic benefits, and environmental impact, along with independent technical studies evaluating fuel mileage, engine performance, tailpipe emissions, and long-term maintenance costs.
Significant Price Gap and Official Government Response in Parliament
While ethanol-free 100-octane premium petrol is currently sold in the market, its availability remains restricted to select retail stations at a price of Rs 169 per liter in Delhi. In comparison, standard E20 blended fuel retails at Rs 102.12 per liter in the capital. Addressing the concerns raised by vehicle owners, Minister of State for Petroleum Suresh Gopi informed Parliament last week that the government has not received any comprehensive or concrete complaints regarding vehicle performance issues stemming from the use of ethanol-blended petrol.
