A Public Interest Litigation has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the Centre’s decision to mandate the sale of petrol blended with 20% ethanol, commonly known as E20 fuel. The plea, moved by advocate Akshay Malhotra, argues that the government’s policy is arbitrary and unreasonable as it fails to provide an option for ethanol-free petrol, which many existing vehicles require to function without damage.

The petitioner contends that the enforcement of E20 without alternative fuels infringes on the rights of vehicle owners whose cars and two-wheelers were not designed for high ethanol content. Vehicles manufactured before April 2023 and several BS-VI compliant models, even those less than two years old, may not be compatible with E20, potentially leading to engine corrosion, damage to fuel lines, and deterioration of plastic and rubber components.

The plea further alleges that the decision violates consumer rights under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, as the presence of ethanol in petrol constitutes a material fact that should be disclosed at the point of sale. Currently, there is no clear labelling on fuel pumps, nor are consumers informed about compatibility issues, which the petitioner argues amounts to suppression of crucial information.

It warns that the use of E20 in incompatible vehicles could result in higher maintenance costs, reduced fuel efficiency, and even denial of insurance claims due to non-compliance with manufacturer guidelines. Moreover, despite the cost advantage of ethanol over petrol, fuel prices for consumers remain unchanged, raising concerns about transparency and fairness.

The petition also highlights that other countries such as the United States and members of the European Union, while promoting ethanol blending, continue to offer ethanol-free petrol and enforce strict labelling norms for consumer awareness. It has requested the Supreme Court to direct the government to make ethanol-free petrol available, mandate proper labelling of ethanol content at all dispensing units, and issue advisories to consumers regarding vehicle compatibility. The plea additionally seeks a comprehensive study on the impact of E20 on vehicle performance and long-term wear and tear.

The government, however, has maintained that E20 is safe and has dismissed apprehensions as misinformation spread by vested interests.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari recently challenged critics to provide evidence of any vehicle damaged by E20 fuel, asserting that leading automotive bodies, including the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers and Automotive Research Association of India, support the blending policy.

Independent studies have shown only minor differences in mileage between E10 and E20, with newer vehicles experiencing negligible performance changes. The Centre argues that the policy will help reduce crude oil imports, boost farmers’ income through ethanol procurement, and significantly cut carbon emissions.

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