Amritsar/Ajnala, July 7, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Today, Aam Aadmi Party’s State Chief Spokesperson, MLA and former Cabinet Minister Mr. Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, along with District Food and Civil Supplies Controller Mr. Sukhjinder Singh, Weights and Measures Inspector Gagandeep Singh, and other departmental officials, conducted inspections at various petrol pumps in the Ajnala region to verify the quantity of ethanol being blended in petrol. Petrol samples were collected on the spot for laboratory testing.
Speaking to the media during the sampling process, Mr. Dhaliwal said that numerous complaints had been received from owners of two-wheelers and four-wheelers alleging that the use of ethanol-blended petrol was causing serious damage to their vehicles. In view of these complaints, he said, it became necessary to carry out a special inspection drive with the concerned officials and collect petrol samples for testing.
Mr. Dhaliwal alleged that ethanol-blended petrol was causing damage to vehicle engines and other critical components, resulting in financial losses of thousands of rupees for vehicle owners. He held the Central Government directly responsible, alleging that its petroleum policy was allowing petroleum companies to earn excessive profits at the cost of consumers.
He strongly criticised the Central Government and rejected its argument that many countries successfully use petrol containing more than 50 percent ethanol. He said such comparisons were misleading because the technology used in foreign vehicles and the quality of roads abroad are significantly different from those in India. According to him, the technical design of vehicles and road conditions in India are not comparable to those in developed countries.
Mr. Dhaliwal further alleged that instead of standing with the middle class, small business owners, salaried employees and other vehicle users who are already burdened by rising inflation, the Central Government was favouring petroleum companies that were already earning huge profits. He also alleged that the government was promoting policies that would benefit the son of a Union Minister who is reportedly engaged in the ethanol business across the country.
The MLA and AAP’s State Chief Spokesperson urged the Central Government to prioritise the interests of the public over those of petroleum companies. He pointed out that international crude oil prices had fallen substantially and were nearly back to previous levels. Therefore, he demanded an immediate reduction in the prices of petrol, diesel, domestic LPG and commercial LPG. If further price cuts were not possible, he said, the government should at least restore the earlier prices to provide meaningful relief to consumers struggling with high inflation.
Photo Caption: AAP State Chief Spokesperson, MLA and former Cabinet Minister Mr. Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal collecting samples of ethanol-blended petrol along with senior officials during inspections at petrol pumps.
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