Delhi Transport Unions to March to Parliament on August 4 Against E20 Fuel Policy
Transport operators oppose mandatory ethanol blended petrol and demand the return of consumer choice at fuel stations.
New Delhi: The Delhi Taxi and Tourist Transport and Tour Operators Association has announced a protest march to Parliament on August 4 against the government’s E20 fuel policy, calling for the withdrawal of mandatory ethanol blended petrol.
The announcement comes shortly after the conclusion of the Cockroach Janta Party’s protest over the NEET paper leak issue. The transport body said it is stepping up its campaign over concerns that E20 fuel could adversely affect vehicles and place an additional financial burden on motorists.
Speaking to ANI, Association President Sanjay Samrat claimed that the widespread use of E20 petrol could reduce the lifespan of vehicles, particularly those that operate on both petrol and CNG. He said millions of two wheelers, private cars, and commercial vehicles across the country could be affected if the policy continues.
Samrat also criticised the pricing of fuel, alleging that motorists are paying the full price for petrol while receiving a product blended with 20 per cent ethanol. He said many consumers feel they are not being given a genuine choice when purchasing fuel.
The association has urged the government to withdraw the ethanol blending policy and allow consumers to decide which type of fuel they wish to use.
Meanwhile, the Union Government informed Parliament on Monday that it has not conducted any assessment of the number of vehicles in India that are fully compatible with E20 fuel.
Responding to a question in Parliament, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi said no such nationwide assessment has been carried out. However, he stated that the Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme has been introduced through a phased and scientifically validated process in consultation with NITI Aayog, automobile manufacturers, oil marketing companies, the Automotive Research Association of India, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, the Indian Institute of Petroleum, and other technical institutions.