‘Stop buying petrol-diesel vehicles until E100-compatible models available’:Kejriwal demands pure petrol, E20 choice at pumps

AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday urged people not to buy petrol or diesel-run vehicles until automobile manufacturers start producing E100-compatible vehicles. He alleged that the government was not conducting any proper study on the issue and was instead “waiting for this issue to cool down.” Kejriwal made the remarks while criticising the Centre’s rollout of E20 ethanol-blended fuel and raising concerns over its impact on existing vehicles. Kejriwal demanded that consumers be allowed to choose between E20 fuel and pure petrol at fuel stations. He also sought lower prices for E20 fuel and a cut in petrol prices to below ₹84 per litre, citing falling global crude oil prices. Questioning the Centre’s ethanol blending policy, Kejriwal claimed ethanol is costlier, gives lower mileage, does not benefit farmers, and alleged it is being promoted despite public opposition. He further alleged the policy is being pushed under pressure from the United States. Why is E20 petrol facing opposition in India? E20 is a blend of 20% ethanol and 80% petrol. It has been facing opposition, particularly from owners of petrol vehicles manufactured before 2023. They claim the fuel reduces mileage, increases maintenance costs, and causes engine components to wear out faster. How to participate in the Town Hall AAP said thousands of people are expected to attend the event, which will begin at 12 noon. People from Delhi and nearby cities who wish to attend in person must reach the Constitution Club by 11:30 am. Those outside Delhi can participate online. Interested participants can send a WhatsApp message to the number shared by the party. Kejriwal said a joining link will be sent by Friday evening, allowing them to participate in Saturday’s discussion. He added that experts and people affected by the E20 policy will share their experiences, everyone will get an opportunity to speak, and the party will prepare a future strategy to pressure the government to withdraw the E20 policy. Over two lakh signatures collected Kejriwal said this is only the beginning of the campaign. He had earlier launched an online petition addressed to the Prime Minister, which has received more than two lakh signatures. After Saturday’s Town Hall, he said the party will visit the Prime Minister’s residence to submit the petition. Kejriwal alleges Centre is turning 30 crore vehicles into ‘scrap’ with E20 fuel AAP national convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on July 29 accused the Modi government of forcing E20 petrol on the public and strong-arming automobile companies. Speaking to reporters in Delhi, he claimed that nearly 30 crore vehicles manufactured before 2023 are currently on Indian roads and alleged that the Centre’s E20 fuel policy would effectively turn them into “scrap.”