The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a public interest litigation challenging the Union government’s Ethanol Blending Programme that mandates the sale of petrol blended with 20% ethanol, or E20 fuel, reported Live Law.

Filed by advocate Akshay Malhotra, the petition had said that vehicles manufactured in India before April 23 were not compatible with E20 fuel and sought that non-blended petrol be made available, according to Bar and Bench.

The petitioner also alleged that, without informing consumers, only ethanol-blended fuel was being made available, which breaches the right to informed consumer choice under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

Malhotra also sought a nationwide study to assess the impact of E20 fuel on vehicles that are not designed to run on higher ethanol blends.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran rejected the plea after arguments from the petitioner’s counsel and the attorney general for India.

During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel cited a 2021 NITI Aayog report, which had raised concerns about the impact of E20 fuel on non-compliant engines.

“We have to be given an option what we want,” Bar and Bench quoted the counsel as saying. “We are not against E20 but at least let the supply persons inform that it is so.”

The petitioner also alleged that although ethanol is cheaper than petrol, the benefit of lower cost has not been passed on to consumers, Live Law reported.

Attorney General R Venkataramani, representing the Union government, questioned the petitioner’s motives, referring to him as a “name-lender”.

“Will people outside the country dictate what kind of fuel India should use?” Venkataramani asked.

In July, India hit its target of reaching a 20% ethanol mix in petrol, five years ahead of schedule.

This was part of India’s broader energy transition strategy aimed at reducing dependency on fossil fuels, cutting greenhouse gas emissions and boosting income for sugarcane farmers.

Also read: Drivers fear engine damage, mileage drop as India increases ethanol in petrol to 20%

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