India seeks to quell public backlash on ethanol-mixed fuel after 'experiment' remark

NEW DELHI: India’s government has moved to contain public criticism of its mandatory 20% ethanol-blended petrol policy after motorists raised concerns over lower fuel efficiency, vehicle performance and possible damage to car parts.

The fuel blend, known as E20, became mandatory last year and has now become a political issue for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government in the world’s third-largest car market.

The controversy intensified this week after Attorney General R. Venkataramani told a court hearing that E20 was an “experiment” and that its results would come next year.

The government denied that the comment was made, but a video of the court hearing showing Venkataramani using the word has circulated widely on social media.

Venkataramani told Reuters on Friday that he used the term “experiment” in relation to the volume of ethanol supplies, not the ethanol petrol policy itself.

The clarification has not ended criticism from motorists and political opponents, who say the rollout was rushed and consumers were not given a choice at fuel stations.

India’s government press office dismissed the criticism on Friday as “wild claims” and asked people not to “fall for the rage bait”.

Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri also defended ethanol fuel on Thursday, comparing it with its use in motor racing.

“They use it in racing cars also, the acceleration increases. Mileage, yes, it may drop a little,” Puri said.

Hundreds of motorists have posted complaints on X, alleging that E20 has reduced mileage and increased wear and tear on vehicles.

In one widely viewed video, a motorist who identified himself as Manish Kashyap said his car needed repairs after being affected by E20 fuel.

“I have spent a lot of money on this car and paid taxes only to find that after two months my car is not working,” he said.

Tehseen Poonawalla, a New Delhi-based socialite and Congress party supporter, said he was planning a protest against the E20 policy in New Delhi on Sunday and had received interest from thousands of people.

Priyank Kharge, a state minister from India’s opposition Congress party, said on X that the E20 rollout lacked consultation.

He said the government could not ask citizens to prove damage when its own data was still pending.

The government says E20 helps reduce carbon emissions, lowers crude oil imports, saves foreign exchange and supports farm incomes by increasing demand for agricultural feedstocks used in ethanol production.