Devendra Fadnavis on E20 Petrol Row: Maharashtra CM Says No Evidence of Vehicle Problems
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis defended E20 petrol, saying there was insufficient evidence that ethanol-blended fuel was causing vehicle problems. AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, meanwhile, accused the Centre of forcing SIAM to withdraw an earlier communication on E20. The BJP rejected the allegation, citing SIAM’s clarification that its communication was taken out of context.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday, August 9, defended the Centre’s ethanol blending policy, rejecting criticism of E20 petrol and saying there was insufficient evidence to establish that ethanol-blended fuel was causing problems in vehicles. “Automobile companies have invited consumers to provide evidence if vehicles develop problems because of ethanol-blended petrol, but no one has come forward with such evidence so far,” Fadnavis said in Kolhapur, PTI reported.
Devendra Fadnavis said ethanol production had created a new avenue for sugar factories and argued that government measures would improve resource utilisation and reduce waste in the sugar industry. The remarks come amid an ongoing political and consumer debate over E20 petrol, which contains 20% ethanol. Fuel retailers have recently said E20 meets required quality standards following testing of petrol, ethanol and E20 samples. E20 Petrol Reduces Mileage by up to 6%, No Evidence of Engine Failures, Says Nitin Gadkari.
Devendra Fadnavis Defends E20 Petrol Policy
The Maharashtra chief minister rejected criticism of the Centre’s ethanol blending programme, saying there was no sufficient evidence to substantiate claims that E20 petrol was damaging vehicles.
The Centre has similarly maintained that extensive testing and large-scale field experience have not established abnormal engine wear, corrosion or reduced vehicle life caused by E20. E20 Petrol May Harm BS-III Vehicle Rubber Parts and Gaskets, Nitin Gadkari Clarifies No Major Engine Issues.
The latest controversy comes as E20 has become increasingly prevalent across India, with concerns particularly focused on fuel efficiency and the compatibility of older vehicles.
Recent reporting has also noted that while consumer concerns remain, the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations has reported no formal complaints directly linking vehicle problems to E20 fuel.
Why Is E20 Petrol Facing Opposition?
Criticism of the ethanol blending programme has centred on concerns over mileage, vehicle performance and the effect of higher ethanol content on older vehicles.
The government has defended the programme as a way to reduce dependence on imported crude oil while supporting domestic ethanol production.
Fuel retailers including Indian Oil, BPCL and HPCL recently said national testing showed E20 met prescribed quality standards, including tests examining chloride levels and possible water contamination.
Arvind Kejriwal Accuses Centre Over SIAM Communication
Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal has accused the Centre of pressuring the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) to withdraw an earlier communication related to ethanol-blended fuel. Kejriwal alleged that the government was pushing the E20 policy despite what he described as scientific concerns.
In a post on X, Kejriwal wrote, "U forced SIAM to withdraw their report. Typical Modi style. Gundagardi." He further claimed, "Modi ji never respected science, engg or research. He only serves his hidden agenda. Here, he is under pressure from Trump to buy ethanol from the US. Unable to withstand that pressure, he is bulldozing ethanol on the whole country against all scientific evidence." Kejriwal did not provide evidence to substantiate his allegations about external pressure or the government's decision-making process.
BJP Rejects Kejriwal’s Allegations
The Bharatiya Janata Party rejected Kejriwal’s allegations, pointing to SIAM's clarification that its earlier communication had been taken out of context.
The dispute has added a political dimension to the wider debate over E20, which has already drawn criticism from opposition parties and concerns from some vehicle owners. Kejriwal has previously called for greater consumer choice over E20 and raised concerns about vehicle performance and fuel efficiency.
Ethanol Policy Debate Continues
The government has positioned ethanol blending as part of its efforts to reduce crude oil imports, improve energy security and create additional income opportunities for farmers and the sugar industry.
The Centre has repeatedly said there is no scientific evidence establishing widespread engine damage from E20.
At the same time, concerns over fuel efficiency and older vehicles continue to feature prominently in public debate. The competing claims are likely to keep the focus on vehicle compatibility, independent testing and the transparency of data surrounding the nationwide E20 rollout.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 09, 2026 11:49 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
