‘Right To Choose Fuel’: New Citizen Group Demands 100% Petrol Option Alongside E20 Fuel
'Right To Choose Fuel': New Citizen Group Demands 100% Petrol Option Alongside E20 Fuel
The newly formed ‘E20 Janta Party’ says it supports ethanol-blended fuel but wants consumers to have the freedom to choose the type of petrol they buy. The campaign has also called for transparent fuel labelling and independent studies on the impact of E20 fuel.
By Vidhi Lalla
A new citizen-led campaign called the E20 Janta Party has sparked debate over India’s ethanol-blended fuel policy by demanding that consumers be given the option to buy both E20 petrol and 100% petrol at fuel stations.
The group describes itself as an independent citizens’ movement rather than a political party. It says its campaign is aimed at promoting transparency, consumer rights and informed choice, while also calling for the resignation of Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari.
The campaign has gained attention on social media, drawing comparisons with the earlier Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a satirical online movement that later evolved into a youth-led public campaign.
Unlike calls to withdraw ethanol-blended fuel altogether, the E20 Janta Party says it supports cleaner fuel initiatives and alternative fuels. However, it argues that motorists should have the freedom to decide which fuel is best suited to their vehicles.
One of its key demands is that petrol pumps clearly label the type of fuel being sold so that customers know whether they are purchasing E20 petrol or ethanol-free petrol.
The group has also sought the publication of detailed data on the costs, benefits and long-term impact of ethanol blending. It has urged the government to commission independent studies on fuel efficiency, engine performance, vehicle emissions and maintenance costs so that consumers can make informed decisions.
The campaign has found support among some transport operators. According to reports, the Delhi Taxi and Tourist Transporters and Tour Operators Association has announced a march to Parliament on August 4, alleging that ethanol-blended fuel has reduced mileage, increased maintenance costs and affected the performance of older vehicles.
However, the Centre has maintained that it has not received widespread or substantiated complaints regarding vehicle performance due to ethanol-blended petrol. The government has consistently promoted ethanol blending as part of its strategy to reduce crude oil imports, improve energy security, support farmers and lower carbon emissions.
The campaign also points out that ethanol-free premium petrol is already available at select fuel stations, but says its higher price and limited availability mean that most consumers do not have a practical choice.
In a statement shared on social media, the E20 Janta Party said its objective is not to support any political ideology but to encourage accountability, transparency and open public discussion on the impact of India’s E20 fuel policy.
The debate highlights the balance policymakers face between promoting cleaner fuels and addressing consumer concerns about vehicle compatibility, running costs and informed choice.
Disclaimer: This article is based on public statements made by the E20 Janta Party and government responses reported by media outlets. The claims regarding vehicle performance and maintenance costs are part of an ongoing public debate and should not be treated as independently verified facts.
