Debate over ethanol-blended petrol is moving from online platforms to public demonstration in India. Entrepreneur and television personality Tehseen Poonawalla has announced a protest against the central government’s E20 fuel rollout at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Sunday afternoon. He stated that if permission for the site is refused, a small group may gather instead outside the home of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, who leads the ethanol-blending initiative.
The event, held under the banner “TEAM BHARAT against the Ethanol Scam,” is described by organizers as the first major street action against the rapid rollout of the policy under the BJP-led government.
Criticism of E20 petrol had previously been limited to social media, car forums and consumer groups. Organizers say rising public concern about reduced mileage and possible vehicle damage has now brought the issue outdoors. Numerous videos online show drivers claiming that fuel from pumps appears adulterated rather than properly blended, with many reporting lower fuel efficiency and harm to engines.
The government has rejected these assertions. Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said the mileage reduction from E20 is minor and noted that ethanol improves acceleration and reduces knocking, as seen in racing vehicles.
Critics maintain they are not opposed to ethanol use in principle but object to the pace of implementation and lack of consumer options. Data from April 2024 indicated that roughly 80 percent of vehicles in India were not compatible with E20 fuel.
Poonawalla said permission had been sought from Delhi Police but no response had been received. He urged authorities to respect citizens’ right to peaceful protest and not deny democratic freedoms.
If permission is denied, the final decision rests with participants, though Poonawalla suggested a sit-in outside Gadkari’s residence could occur. More than 10,000 people are expected to attend.
Poonawalla emphasized that the protest involves ordinary vehicle owners rather than any political party. Participants are mainly middle-class families who report problems with their cars linked to ethanol blending. He added that mobilization has occurred through word of mouth and social media without paid promotion.
The main demands are release of all policy documents and technical studies on E20, availability of ethanol-free petrol and lower blends such as E5 and E15 at fair prices, and a pause on plans for higher blends like E25 or E30 until proper infrastructure exists and all stakeholders are consulted.
