New Delhi, July 12, 2026 — In a classic display of connecting with the common man, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal visited a petrol pump and service station in Delhi on Saturday to personally understand the challenges faced by vehicle owners running on E20 ethanol-blended petrol. The visit comes amid growing public complaints about reduced mileage, higher running costs, and potential mechanical issues, particularly in older vehicles. Kejriwal’s move underscores his party’s strategy of highlighting everyday citizen concerns against central government policies.

During the visit, Kejriwal interacted directly with motorists filling their tanks, spoke to mechanics and service station staff, examined vehicle engines, and gathered firsthand feedback. In a post on X after the inspection, he wrote: “Today, I went to a petrol pump and a service station in Delhi to understand the ground reality. Many people told me that their vehicles’ mileage has reduced, and some also complained about mechanical issues.” He accused the government of spreading “white lies” about the fuel’s performance and stressed that in a democracy, public grievances must be heard and addressed. “Those raising concerns about E20 petrol are citizens who are sharing their experiences. Their concerns should be heard,” Kejriwal added.

Understanding the E20 Policy

India’s ethanol blending programme began in 2014 with the goal of reducing dependence on imported crude oil, cutting foreign exchange outflow, supporting farmers through higher demand for sugarcane and other feedstocks, and lowering vehicular emissions. The target of 20% ethanol blending (E20) was achieved ahead of the original 2030 deadline, reaching the milestone in the 2025-26 period.

Government data highlights significant achievements: savings of approximately ₹1.9 lakh crore in oil import bills and payments exceeding ₹1.6 lakh crore to farmers. Ethanol blending also offers a higher octane rating, which can improve engine performance in compatible vehicles, and is positioned as a cleaner alternative with potentially lower carbon emissions compared to pure petrol.

However, the rapid nationwide rollout — making E20 the default and essentially only widely available blend — has sparked controversy. While newer vehicles manufactured or tuned for E20 compatibility (generally post-2023 models) are reported to handle the blend well with minimal issues, a large portion of India’s existing vehicle fleet consists of older models. These vehicles were designed for pure petrol or lower blends like E10.

The Ground Reality: Mileage Drops and Mechanical Concerns

Kejriwal’s petrol pump visit brought these issues into sharp focus. Motorists reported noticeable declines in fuel efficiency, with many claiming drops of 10% or more after switching to E20. A LocalCircles survey cited in recent reports found that 66% of pre-2023 vehicle owners experienced over 10% mileage loss. Some anecdotal accounts suggest even higher impacts in certain conditions or vehicle types.

Ethanol is hygroscopic (absorbs moisture) and can be more corrosive than pure petrol, potentially leading to issues like rusting in fuel systems, degradation of rubber and plastic components, and problems in carbureted or older fuel-injected engines not designed for higher blends. Mechanics at service stations have reportedly seen an uptick in related complaints, including clogged filters, injector issues, and accelerated wear in certain parts.

The central government acknowledges some mileage impact — admitting a possible 1-2% drop in newer E20-compatible cars and up to 3-6% in older models. It maintains that these losses are minor, offset by the fuel’s benefits, and that any issues can often be addressed through routine maintenance or minor retrofitting. Automakers such as Maruti Suzuki and Toyota have stated that their newer models are fully compatible, with no major widespread engine damage reported in serviced vehicles.

Critics, including Kejriwal, argue that the effective cost to consumers is higher because lower mileage means more frequent refills at similar or only marginally lower pump prices. They question why consumers should bear the burden of what they describe as a large-scale national experiment without adequate choice or safeguards.

Kejriwal’s Campaign: Letters, Demands, and Public Outreach

Kejriwal has escalated his campaign on multiple fronts. He recently wrote to 29 major automobile manufacturers seeking clarity and accountability. Separate letters went to Maruti Suzuki, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, and Hero MotoCorp, demanding written assurances on compensation if E20 causes significant mileage loss or vehicle damage. The remaining manufacturers received letters asking for their official position on E20 safety for older vehicles and responses to consumer concerns. Companies were given seven days to reply.

Beyond manufacturer accountability, Kejriwal has urged the Centre to offer consumers real choice at petrol pumps — E20, E10, and pure petrol (E0) — priced differently so owners can select the most suitable and economical option for their vehicles. He has specifically called for pure petrol to be made available at around ₹82 per litre, with E20 priced lower (around ₹70 in some of his suggestions) to reflect any efficiency differences and give people a fair option.

This “Aam Aadmi” style outreach — physically visiting pumps rather than relying only on press conferences — aims to position AAP as the direct voice of affected citizens, especially middle-class families and daily commuters in urban centres like Delhi-NCR, where vehicle density is high and many older cars and two-wheelers remain in use.

Government’s Position and the Balancing Act

The Petroleum Ministry, led by Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, has defended the policy vigorously. Officials emphasize energy security, rural economic benefits, and environmental gains. They note that E20 has been tested extensively, insurance validity remains unaffected, and any mileage reduction is within acceptable limits for the broader national interest. The government has decided against offering multiple fuel grades at every pump, citing logistical complexities and the desire to maintain a uniform standard.

Proponents point to Brazil’s long experience with high ethanol blends as evidence that such transitions are manageable with proper vehicle adaptation over time. They argue that initial teething problems are natural and that the long-term benefits — reduced oil imports and farmer income support — outweigh short-term inconveniences for most users.

Implications for Indian Motorists

For ordinary vehicle owners, especially those with pre-2023 cars, bikes, or commercial vehicles, the E20 rollout has translated into practical challenges. A 10% mileage drop effectively increases fuel expenditure, hitting household budgets already strained by inflation and other costs. In a city like Delhi, where traffic congestion and daily commutes amplify fuel consumption, these differences add up quickly.

Two-wheeler owners and small commercial vehicle operators — often from lower- and middle-income groups — appear particularly vulnerable. While newer BS6-compliant vehicles are better equipped, the transition has not been seamless for the entire fleet.

The debate also raises broader questions about policy implementation: How much public consultation preceded the full switch? Should consumers have the right to choose fuel suited to their vehicles? And who bears responsibility if damage occurs — government, manufacturers, or oil companies?

Political Undercurrents and Way Forward

Kejriwal’s intervention fits into the larger political narrative of opposition parties scrutinizing central schemes on fuel, LPG, and cost of living. By framing the issue around “common man” pain points and demanding choice and accountability, AAP seeks to build public pressure ahead of future electoral contests.

Whether the Centre will introduce fuel options, mandate clearer labeling and compensation mechanisms, or accelerate support for vehicle retrofitting remains to be seen. Automakers’ responses to Kejriwal’s letters could provide crucial clarity on liability.

For now, motorists are advised to monitor their vehicle’s performance closely, follow manufacturer recommendations, and consider periodic checks of fuel systems. The E20 debate highlights the complex trade-offs in India’s energy transition — between ambitious environmental and economic goals and the immediate realities faced by millions of vehicle owners on the road every day.

As Kejriwal demonstrated by stepping out to a Delhi petrol pump, sometimes the most powerful insights come not from policy documents but from listening directly to the people filling their tanks. The coming weeks will reveal whether this ground-level feedback translates into policy adjustments or remains another flashpoint in India’s ongoing fuel policy discussions.

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