Kejriwal leads campaign against India's E20 ethanol-blended petrol programme
From July 3-14, 2026, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal escalated opposition to India's mandatory 20% ethanol-blended petrol (E20) programme. He accused the government of misleading the public, forcing automakers to falsely assure safety, and ignoring complaints of reduced mileage and vehicle damage. Kejriwal conducted spot checks in New Delhi, wrote to 29 automakers seeking compensation guarantees, and petitioned PM Modi for a meeting, demanding a pure petrol option at fuel stations.
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Kejriwal accuses Centre of coercing auto manufacturers into silence over E20 fuel impact
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal accused the Indian central government of coercing automobile manufacturers into silence regarding the potential damage caused by E20 petrol (20% ethanol blend) to vehicles manufactured before 2023. Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi on July 29, 2026, Kejriwal claimed that officials from nine automobile firms privately acknowledged that E20 could damage nearly 30 crore older vehicles and reduce fuel efficiency. He stated that none of the 29 companies he wrote to responded in writing, but detailed phone conversations revealed technical concerns about engine and fuel system damage. Kejriwal described the government's approach as 'gundagardi' (hooliganism) and announced a national town hall on the issue scheduled for August 1.
AAP to Hold National Town Hall Against E20 Fuel in Delhi on August 1
On July 27, 2026, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal announced a 'National Town Hall Against E20' to be held on August 1, 2026, at the Constitution Club of India in New Delhi. Kejriwal urged the public to join in large numbers to discuss strategies to pressure the central government to withdraw E20 petrol, a 20% ethanol-blended fuel. He stated that experts and vehicle owners who have faced problems with E20 are invited. The AAP previously launched an online petition making E20 optional, which has garnered nearly 200,000 signatures. Kejriwal plans to deliver the petition to Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the town hall. He also offered virtual participation via a messaging number. This follows earlier letters from Kejriwal to PM Modi and 29 car makers seeking responses on E20's impact on mileage and prices.
Kejriwal seeks PM meeting over E20 petrol, demands pure petrol option at fuel stations
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting a meeting to discuss concerns over E20 petrol, a fuel blend containing 20% ethanol. In his letter dated July 14, 2026, Kejriwal argued that consumers should have the choice between pure petrol and E20 at fuel stations, with lower prices for the blended variant due to its reduced mileage. He cited feedback from citizens and technical issues as reasons for the meeting. Kejriwal also launched an online petition for people to share their experiences with E20 petrol, vowing to submit the collected responses to the Prime Minister. The AAP leader urged party workers to visit petrol pumps, interact with consumers, and share video testimonials on social media. This follows previous criticism by Kejriwal of the government's E20 policy, which he has labeled as misleading.
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Kejriwal accuses Indian government of lying about E20 petrol after spot check
On July 11, 2026, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal alleged that the Indian government was misleading the public about E20 petrol, claiming it reduces vehicle mileage and causes mechanical problems. Kejriwal conducted a 'spot check' at a petrol pump and service station in New Delhi, interacting with motorists to assess the impact of ethanol-blended fuel. He stated that ordinary people face difficulties due to E20 petrol and criticized government ministers for abusing opponents of the fuel, calling them anti-nationals and traitors. Kejriwal urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address grievances rather than show arrogance. The Centre and the Bharatiya Janata Party had no immediate response to the allegations.
Kejriwal writes to 29 car makers on E20 fuel, seeks response on mileage impact
On July 8, 2026, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal wrote to 29 automobile manufacturers, including Maruti Suzuki, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, and Hero MotoCorp, seeking their response on the impact of E20 fuel (20% ethanol blend) on vehicle mileage and performance. He referred to recent statements by these companies claiming that E20 fuel would not affect mileage. Kejriwal demanded a written assurance that if customers face any reduction in mileage or vehicle damage due to E20 fuel, manufacturers would compensate them. He also announced plans to visit petrol pumps and meet automobile mechanics on July 9 to understand consumer concerns. The move follows Kejriwal's earlier call to Prime Minister Modi to roll back the E20 fuel programme. No immediate response was received from the automakers.
Kejriwal accuses Modi government of forcing automakers to mislead public on E20 fuel
Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal alleged on July 7, 2026, that the Indian central government forced three major automobile manufacturers—Maruti Suzuki, Toyota Kirloskar, and Hero MotoCorp—to hold press conferences falsely assuring the public that E20 fuel (20% ethanol blend) is safe for E10 vehicles. Kejriwal claimed the government summoned six companies on July 3, but three refused to comply. He stated that owner manuals warn against using fuel with over 10% ethanol, and that the government is stubbornly pushing E20 despite public opposition. Kejriwal announced he would write to automakers seeking written compensation guarantees for potential vehicle damage, and to the Prime Minister questioning who would bear costs if vehicles are damaged.
Kejriwal Urges PM Modi to Roll Back India's E20 Ethanol-Blended Petrol Programme
On July 3, 2026, AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal announced he would write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding the rollback of India's 20% ethanol-blended petrol (E20) programme. In a video message on X, Kejriwal claimed the Centre had told the Supreme Court on June 30 that the programme was an 'experiment,' though the government later denied making such a statement. He cited widespread public complaints of reduced vehicle mileage after switching to E20 fuel and pointed to a Bharat Petroleum executive's statement that ethanol has lower energy content than petrol. Kejriwal questioned why the programme was rolled out nationwide without prior limited testing on vehicles and asked whether the government would compensate owners for potential damage. He invited public suggestions for his letter to the PM, urging a policy reconsideration.