Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal called out the Modi Government for misleading the public to force the nationwide rollout of E20-blended petrol. He revealed that the government got Maruti Suzuki, Toyota Kirloskar and Hero MotoCorp to falsely assure consumers that using E20 in E10 vehicles would cause no damage, despite their own owner’s manuals warning against using fuel with more than 10%ethanol and advising consumers to stop using even 10%ethanol blends if they experience problems.
The AAP Supremo announced that he would write to all automobile companies seeking a written assurance that they would compensate vehicle owners if the use of E20 reduces mileage or damages engines and other parts. He also said he would write to the Prime Minister next week asking whether the government or the companies would bear the cost of compensation if vehicles are damaged because of the policy forcefully imposed on all fuel stations of the country, and subsequently all petrol vehicles.
Addressing a press conference, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal said that the Central Government is forcibly imposing E20 petrol across the country. There is widespread public opposition, yet despite this resistance, the Central Government remains adamant. “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 Central Government is adopting new tactics every day to convince people to start adopting E20 blend petrol,” he said.
Arvind Kejriwal stated that on 3 July, the Central Government summoned six automobile manufacturing companies and asked them to hold press conferences to tell the public that E20 is perfectly fine. “These six companies are Maruti Suzuki, Toyota Kirloskar, Hero MotoCorp, Hyundai Motor, Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor Company. They were all instructed to tell the public that E20 is the right fuel and that even if a vehicle is E10 compliant, E20 can still be used. Even if the vehicle is not E20 compliant, it can still use E20. Even if a vehicle is designed to run on E0 or E5, they were asked to say that E20 petrol would still work,” he added.
Pointing to the response of these companies, the AAP Supremo continued, “Out of the six, three companies refused to comply, saying they could not tell such a big lie. However, Maruti Suzuki, Toyota Kirloskar and Hero MotoCorp lied to the public during their press conferences. Their representatives claimed that if someone owns an E0, E5 or E10 vehicle, using E20 petrol would cause no problems. They admitted mileage would fall by only 5% to 7% but claimed there would be no damage to the fuel tank, fuel system or engine. These three companies misled the public.”
Arvind Kejriwal stated, “Whenever people purchase a vehicle, they receive an owner’s manual along with it. That manual contains all the terms and conditions. It is effectively a contract between the consumer and the automobile company.”
Explaining E20-compatible vehicles, he shared, “All vehicles manufactured before 2023 were designed for pure petrol, not ethanol. Even if they use petrol containing up to 10% ethanol, there is generally no issue. Such vehicles are called E10 compliant. Vehicles manufactured before 2023, which can use either zero ethanol or up to 10% ethanol, are classified as E10 vehicles. From 2023 onwards, all vehicles manufactured in India began to be E20 compatible.”
Arvind Kejriwal asserted, “These companies attend government press conferences and tell people of the country to use E20, claiming there will be no problem in E10 vehicles. They are lying. I want to tell these three companies not to deceive their customers and not to lie to them. Governments come and go. In any case, this government is not going to last much longer. Customers are the real kings. If people stop buying their vehicles, where will these companies go?”
The AAP Chief announced, “On Wednesday, I will write to these three companies that spread these lies. I will ask them why their owner’s manuals say one thing while they say something completely different during press conferences. Let them provide a written guarantee. If the mileage of a vehicle drops by more than 10%, will they compensate the owner for that loss? If using E20 damages the vehicle or causes wear and tear, will they compensate the owner for replacing those parts? If they simply say yes once, vehicles across the country will queue up outside their factories.”
Arvind Kejriwal further said, “I will also write to the companies that refused to lie despite pressure from the government. I will simply ask them to clarify whether they also believe E20 petrol can be used in E10 vehicles. On Wednesday, I will write to all the companies, and next week I will write to the Prime Minister asking why the public should suffer because of your misadventure. Let them clarify whether the government or the companies will compensate people if vehicle mileage decreases. If engines or fuel systems are damaged, compensation will have to be paid. Why should the public bear that burden? Will Narendra Modi’s government pay the compensation or will the companies?”
Highlighting India’s rollout, he said, “On 6 February 2023, E20 was introduced on a trial basis at only 1,900 petrol pumps across the country. Barely three years later, on 1 April 2026, it was forcibly imposed at all 90,000 petrol pumps nationwide. There are 22 crore motorcycles in India that are not E20 compatible and cannot use E20. There are also 8 crore cars that are not E20 compatible and cannot use E20. Because of the government’s stubbornness, 30 crore vehicles are now at risk. These 30 crore vehicles will eventually become scrap.”
Appealing directly to the Prime Minister, Arvind Kejriwal asserted, “With folded hands, I request Narendra Modi not to remain stubborn and to reconsider.”