A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court against the nationwide rollout of 20% ethanol-blended petrol (EBP-20), alleging that millions of motorists are being forced to use fuel incompatible with their vehicles.
The plea, filed by advocate Akshay, sought directions to the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas to ensure the availability of ethanol-free petrol (E0) at all fuel stations. It argued that vehicles manufactured before 2023, and even certain BS-VI models, are not designed to handle such high ethanol blends.
Concerns Raised in the Petition
The petition claims that widespread issues such as engine damage, corrosion, reduced mileage, and higher repair costs have already surfaced due to ethanol-blended fuel. In some cases, insurance companies are allegedly rejecting claims for damage caused by ethanol, leaving motorists to bear hefty repair expenses.
Demand for Transparency
The PIL also requested that fuel pumps be mandated to:
- Clearly display ethanol content on dispensing units.
- Inform motorists about their vehicle’s ethanol compatibility at the time of fuelling.
“In India, only ethanol-blended petrol is being sold, but consumers are neither given a choice of ethanol-free fuel nor disclosure of composition at dispensing units,” the plea stated.
Impact on Motorists and Policy Debate
The case highlights the growing concerns among vehicle owners, especially those driving older cars and two-wheelers. Many manufacturers have warned that higher ethanol content can negatively impact engines not designed for it, leading to safety and performance issues.
At the same time, the government has defended its ethanol-blending programme as a vital step towards reducing crude oil imports, cutting emissions, and boosting farmer incomes. With India targeting 20% ethanol blending by 2025, the Supreme Court’s response could significantly influence the future of the policy.
The matter is expected to bring fresh scrutiny to the ethanol roadmap, balancing environmental and energy goals with consumer protection and automotive safety.
