NEW DELHI:

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal has stepped up his offensive against the Centre's ethanol-blending policy, demanding that fuel stations must give consumers a clear choice between pure petrol and E20 fuel. Addressing a virtual and physical 'National Town Hall' on the E20 fuel crisis, Kejriwal warned that if the government fails to address public grievances, a protest march will be led to the Prime Minister’s residence on August 4.

Key Highlights from Kejriwal’s Town Hall Address:

• Ultimatum for August 4: Kejriwal announced that the party will compile public petitions until the afternoon of August 3. Following this, a delegation of around 100 people will march to the PM's residence to submit an online petition that has already garnered over 2 lakh signatures.

• "Why Force It on Citizens?": Questioning the viability of the policy, Kejriwal asked why ethanol is being aggressively promoted if it offers no clear benefits. He also alleged that ethanol production plants severely pollute underground water tables in surrounding areas.

• Demand for Transparency: Kejriwal challenged the government to make public the official study report which claims that E20 fuel causes zero damage to automobile engines.

• Turning 30 Crore Vehicles to Scrap: Slamming the Centre earlier this week, Kejriwal accused the Modi government of high-handedness, stating that forcing E20 fuel on roughly 30 crore pre-2023 vehicles currently running on Indian roads is effectively turning them into scrap.

Why is E20 Fuel Facing Nationwide Backlash?

The 20% ethanol and 80% petrol blend (E20) has triggered widespread discontent, particularly among owners of vehicles manufactured before 2023. Motorists have raised serious concerns, reporting:

• Drastic drops in vehicle mileage.

• Escalated maintenance and repair costs.

• Premature corrosion and damage to engine parts.

During the town hall, citizens and transport stakeholders from multiple states shared their firsthand struggles with E20 usage, amplifying pressure on the central administration to re-evaluate the policy.