Protesters have accepted a challenge from Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on the E20 petrol rollout. A day after he asked critics to name one victim of ethanol-blended fuel, demonstrators said on Thursday they would present six such individuals. Their condition is that the minister meet them in front of the media. Gadkari had issued the dare during a Wednesday interview with India Today TV. The government has made E20 fuel mandatory nationwide. Many vehicle owners report reduced mileage and damage, noting that roughly 80 percent of vehicles are compatible only with E10. Officials and experts maintain that E20 causes no harm, but critics reject these assurances. Activist Tehseen Poonawalla, who organized an earlier protest at Jantar Mantar, accepted the challenge in a video statement. He said Delhi Police had advised against approaching the minister’s residence. Poonawalla offered to show six affected car owners but insisted any meeting occur publicly and be live-streamed. Gadkari had stated that no proof exists of E20 damaging vehicles and invited complaints for official review. He also addressed conflict-of-interest claims, noting his family’s minimal stake in ethanol production. Poonawalla disputed the figure and described the policy as favoring family interests. The Ethanol Blended Petrol programme seeks to cut oil imports and support farmers. The target of 20 percent blending was reached ahead of schedule. While officials cite higher octane ratings and lower emissions, motorists continue to report breakdowns and mileage losses. An unpublished study by the Automotive Research Association of India indicated potential damage to rubber parts in E10 vehicles.
