The story so far
E20 petrol controversy
Tracked across 5 sources · Updated 2h ago
Government defends E20 ethanol-blended petrol, citing studies showing no engine failures, but acknowledges 2-6% mileage drop and potential rubber part issues in older vehicles. Opposition, led by Arvind Kejriwal, protests, planning a march to PM's residence on August 4.
How it unfolded
7h ago
Kejriwal leads march over E20 policy
3d ago
Kejriwal announces August 4 march to PM's residence
4d ago
Centre backs E20 in Lok Sabha, cites tests
5d ago
Gadkari acknowledges 2-6% mileage reduction, no engine failures
6d ago
Gadkari: Pre-2016 vehicles may need minor changes
28 Jul 2026
Govt says E20 won't affect insurance claims
What happened earlier
Latest updates
Latest
Full story →"Ethanol policy is flawed": Arvind Kejriwal on planned march to PM's residence
AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal announced he will march to the Prime Minister's residence on Tuesday to hand over a petition signed by over 2.33 lakh people against the ethanol policy.
Kejriwal will begin the march from his office at 12:00 PM with a group of 100 people who are not afraid of police batons or jail.
Kejriwal raised three demands: E20 and pure petrol should both be available at petrol pumps, E20 should be cheaper than pure petrol, and petrol should cost less than 84 rupees per litre.
He urged people to stop buying petrol and diesel vehicles until E100-compatible vehicles are manufactured in India.
The march is the latest escalation in AAP's campaign against the Centre's E20 fuel policy.
Earlier · 27 Jul 2026
Full story →No assessment on E20 compatible vehicles in India: Govt to Parliament
Government informs Parliament no assessment done on percentage of vehicles compatible with E20 fuel.
Extensive studies confirm E20 fuel is safe for legacy vehicles.
E20 fuel causes a minor mileage drop of 3-5%.
Earlier · 28 Jul 2026
Full story →E20 fuel engine damage not covered by standard car insurance
Insurance covers unforeseen and accidental losses, not damage from improper operation or maintenance.
Car owners must follow manufacturer fuel compatibility guidelines for E20 fuel.
Damage from using E20 fuel in a non-compliant vehicle may be excluded from insurance coverage.
Earlier · 6d ago
Full story →Some Vehicles Made Before 2016 May Need Minor Changes For E20: Nitin Gadkari
Nitin Gadkari said vehicles made before 2016 may need minor changes for E20 petrol.
Studies showed older vehicles had no significant performance changes or abnormal wear with E20.
E20 is petrol blended with 20 percent ethanol.
The minister's statement addresses compatibility of older vehicles with higher ethanol blend.
Earlier · 5d ago
Full story →Better ride quality, lower average: Nitin Gadkari to Parliament on E20 petrol
Union minister Nitin Gadkari stated in Parliament that E20 petrol reduces fuel economy by 2–6% but offers better acceleration, ride quality, and nearly 30% lower carbon emissions than E10.
A joint study by ARAI, SIAM, and IOCL found no engine failures due to E20 in BS-III, BS-IV, and BS-VI vehicles tested.
Gadkari said consumers who do not want ethanol-blended fuel can opt for 100% petrol at a higher price.
Opposition parties and consumer groups have criticized the E20 rollout, alleging potential engine damage, especially in older vehicles.
The government and automakers assert the transition is phased, tested, and warranty claims for E20 use are honored.
