E20 Petrol Controversy: Delhi Transporters to March to Parliament on August 4, Demand Withdrawal of Ethanol Blend
Transport associations in Delhi will march to Parliament on August 4, demanding the rollback of E20 ethanol-blended petrol. Led by the Delhi Taxi and Tourist Transporters and Tour Operators Association, protesters claim the fuel reduces mileage and may damage vehicle engines, urging lawmakers to address growing concerns of vehicle owners.
Transport associations in Delhi have announced plans to lead a protest march to Parliament on August 4, demanding the withdrawal of E20 ethanol-blended petrol. Led by the Delhi Taxi and Tourist Transporters and Tour Operators Association, the demonstration aims to press lawmakers to address growing complaints from vehicle owners regarding reduced fuel efficiency and potential engine damage linked to the mandatory fuel blend.
Protesters are calling on Members of Parliament to intervene as E20 fuel—a mixture of 20 percent ethanol and 80 percent petrol—has increasingly become the default option across filling stations without alternative choices for motorists. E20 Petrol Boosts Acceleration, Cuts Carbon Emissions by 30%; Govt Says In Rajya Sabha No Evidence of Engine Damage.
According to Sanjay Samrat, president of the Delhi Taxi and Tourist Transporters and Tour Operators Association, the march is intended to serve as a wake-up call for parliamentarians. Vehicle operators across the country have reported technical issues and performance drops since the widespread rollout of the blended fuel, he noted.
Samrat clarified that the August 4 protest remains an independent, non-political initiative. He distanced the transport bodies from online activist campaigns, such as the "E-20 Janata Party" and the satirical "Cockroach Janta Party," stating that the movement focuses strictly on operational and technical grievances faced by everyday drivers and commercial operators.
The protest has received backing from the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC). Harish Sabharwal, national president of AIMTC, emphasized that commuters should be given a choice between E20 and standard unblended fuel rather than having blended petrol imposed universally. While the association supports the Parliamentary march, Sabharwal confirmed that no formal call for a transport strike has been issued at this stage. Arvind Kejriwal Announces National Town Hall Against E20 Fuel, Plans To Submit 2 Lakh Petitions to PM Modi (Video).
The planned march follows mounting public criticism and digital campaigns surrounding the government’s ethanol blending policy. Critics have raised concerns over lower mileage, long-term engine wear in older vehicle models, and alleged policy conflicts of interest.
The Union Government has consistently defended the E20 policy, ruling out plans to increase ethanol blending beyond the current 20 percent threshold for now. Government officials maintain that the fuel blend is safe, environmentally cleaner, reduces crude oil import dependence, and provides significant financial support to domestic sugarcane farmers.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 27, 2026 08:54 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
