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PoliticsKejriwal accuses Modi government of forcing automakers to mislead public on E20 fuel
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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.
Source report
AAP leader alleges Centre pressured three major automakers to downplay risks of ethanol-blended petrol
Published: July 07, 2026 08:41 pm IST — NEW DELHI
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday accused the Narendra Modi government of coercing three major automobile manufacturers into misleading the public about the safety of E20 fuel in vehicles designed for E10.
Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi, Mr. Kejriwal claimed that Maruti Suzuki, Toyota Kirloskar, and Hero MotoCorp were "forced" to issue false assurances that using E20 fuel in E10 vehicles would cause no damage — despite their own owner manuals warning against fuel containing more than 10% ethanol.
Key Allegations
- The Centre summoned six automobile manufacturing companies on July 3 and instructed them to hold press conferences assuring the public that E20 fuel is safe and will not damage vehicles.
- Three of the six companies refused, stating they "could not tell such a big lie," according to Mr. Kejriwal.
- The remaining three — Maruti Suzuki, Toyota Kirloskar, and Hero MotoCorp — allegedly complied and publicly claimed that mileage would drop by only 5% to 7%, with no damage to the fuel tank, fuel system, or engine.
Planned Actions
Mr. Kejriwal said he would:
- Write to all automobile companies seeking a written assurance that they will compensate vehicle owners if E20 fuel reduces mileage or damages the engine and other parts.
- Write to the Prime Minister next week, asking whether the Centre or the companies would bear compensation costs if vehicles are damaged due to the mandatory rollout of E20 at all fuel stations.
Criticism of Government Policy
The former Delhi Chief Minister accused the Centre of remaining "adamant" on its E20 policy despite widespread public opposition.
"The reason behind this stubbornness is not known, but the Central government refuses to budge. Every day, one lie after another is being told. One Minister lies one day, another the next. People are being fed bundles of lies. The government is adopting new tactics every day to convince people to start adopting E20 blend petrol."
Photo: AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal addresses a press conference at the party office in New Delhi on July 7. | Photo Credit: ANI
Source
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Part of this Story
Kejriwal leads campaign against India's E20 ethanol-blended petrol programme