E20 Fuel Row Intensifies: AAP, Transport Unions and Congress Turn Up Heat on Centre
Opposition to the Centre's E20 fuel policy is gaining momentum once again. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), transport unions, and the Congress have intensified their criticism, announcing protests and demanding action against Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari and Hardeep Singh Puri. Meanwhile, Gadkari has maintained that he is not personally responsible for the policy and has moved court against defamatory social media posts.
E20 Fuel Controversy Escalates as Political Parties and Transport Unions Intensify Opposition
The debate surrounding the Centre's E20 fuel policy has resurfaced, with political parties and transport associations stepping up their campaign against ethanol-blended petrol.
Following weeks of nationwide discussions over the NEET-UG controversy, attention has shifted back to the E20 programme, with fresh protests, political criticism, and legal developments bringing the policy back into the spotlight.
AAP Announces Nationwide Campaign
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal has announced a "National Town Hall Against E20" to be held at the Constitution Club of India in New Delhi on August 1.
According to Kejriwal, the event will bring together vehicle owners, transport experts, and citizens who believe their vehicles have been affected by E20 fuel. He also claimed that an online petition opposing the policy has already gathered more than 2 lakh signatures, which the party plans to submit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the town hall meeting.
Transport Unions Call for Parliament March
Several Delhi-based transport associations have announced a protest march to Parliament on August 4, demanding a review of the E20 fuel policy.
Transport leaders said they want lawmakers to address concerns raised by vehicle owners across the country regarding the impact of ethanol-blended fuel on engines. However, the organisations clarified that they are not affiliated with any political party or campaign group.
Congress Seeks Removal of Two Union Ministers
The controversy has also taken a political turn, with Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai reportedly writing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding the dismissal of Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari and Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.
The Congress leader argued that the government should first conduct independent scientific studies before expanding ethanol-blended fuel policies such as E20, E85, and E100. He also questioned the government's approach to fuel quality and accountability.
Gadkari Rejects Allegations
Amid mounting criticism, Nitin Gadkari has reiterated that he is not personally responsible for the E20 policy.
Separately, the Bombay High Court has permitted Gadkari to initiate legal proceedings against Meta, Google, X, and other digital platforms over allegedly defamatory posts and deepfake content claiming that he and his family benefited financially from the policy.
Gadkari has consistently defended ethanol blending, previously challenging critics to provide evidence of vehicles being damaged solely because of E20 fuel.
E20 Debate Continues
Supporters of the E20 programme argue that higher ethanol blending helps reduce India's dependence on imported crude oil, lowers emissions, and benefits farmers by increasing demand for ethanol.
Critics, however, continue to express concerns about engine compatibility, vehicle maintenance costs, and the need for greater transparency and independent scientific evaluation before wider implementation.
What Lies Ahead?
With AAP's nationwide campaign beginning on August 1, transport unions planning a Parliament march on August 4, and political pressure mounting, the E20 fuel policy is set to remain a major national issue in the coming weeks as the government faces increasing calls to review its implementation.