Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday raised the issue of E-20 ethanol-blended petrol in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, pointing out that the Centre has forced its rollout despite admitting in Parliament that it reduces vehicle mileage. He said the move is causing financial hardship for vehicle owners, questioned why the implementation has been accelerated, and alleged that it is aimed at serving the interests of a trade deal with the United States under which India will import $20 billion worth of ethanol over the next five years. Asserting that consumers should not be deprived of choice, the Punjab Vidhan Sabha passed a resolution urging the Centre to offer both pure petrol and E-20 at fuel stations and to reduce the price of E-20 to safeguard the interests of the common people.
Taking to X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “During the Punjab Vidhan Sabha session, I raised the serious issue of E20 ethanol-blended petrol being forced on consumers and the damage it is causing to people’s vehicles. This fuel has been imposed by the Central Government without any scientific study. According to a survey, it has reduced the mileage of 67 per cent of vehicles, while 45 per cent have suffered engine damage, placing a direct financial burden on ordinary people.
“The Central Government itself has admitted in Parliament that E20 petrol reduces vehicle mileage. All of this is being done to serve the interests of a major trade deal with the United States and to benefit corporate companies. We demand that consumers be given the choice between pure petrol and E20 at fuel stations, and that the price of E20 be reduced immediately. The Punjab Vidhan Sabha has passed a resolution on this issue and is sending it to the Central Government to protect the interests of the common people. Inquilab Zindabad,” the post concluded.
Winding up the debate on the issue in Vidhan Sabha, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “This is a matter of grave concern for every citizen of the country. E-20 ethanol-blended petrol has been forced upon vehicle owners without any proper research, scientific study or consultation. The Union Government has neither conducted any study nor obtained certification from any engineering college or IIT to establish that E-20 petrol is safe for vehicle engines.”
Slamming the Centre, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Engines designed to run on E-10 petrol were arbitrarily shifted to E-20 despite widespread opposition. According to a survey covering more than 45,000 vehicles, 67 per cent reported a significant drop in mileage while 45 per cent suffered engine damage. This is nothing but an open loot of the hard-earned money of common people, who purchase vehicles after years of savings and through EMIs.”