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New Delhi: Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court that challenges the countrywide rollout of the 20 per cent ethanol-blend of petrol (EBP-20), with allegations that motorists are being asked to use fuel not compatible with their vehicles. The plea, filed by advocate Akshay, sought direction to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to make ethanol-free (E0) petrol available across all fuel stations in the country, according to PTI reports.
It claimed that cars and two-wheeler produced before 2023, and even the newer BS-VI compliant models were not designed to handle the ethanol blends. According to the petition, there have been widespread issues which include engine damage, reduced mileage, corrosion and even mounting repair costs. Furthermore, it said that even insurance companies are rejecting claims for problems caused by the ethanol fuel.
The PIL even requested that fuel pumps should be mandated to label ethanol content clearly on dispensing units and that motorists be informed about their vehicle’s compatibility with ethanol during fueling.
The petition said that the ethanol-blended petrol was being sold without the knowledge of the consumers, nor is there any disclosure about the composition available at the consumer touchpoint.
This is going to bring renewed limelight on the whole ethanol-blending program of the government’s ethanol-blending programme, which aims to reduce oil imports and reduce emissions, though it has faced a lot of criticism for this. The government had previously issued a statement and refuted most of the claims.
