Chandigarh, August 4, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday raised concerns over the rollout of E-20 ethanol-blended petrol in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, alleging that the policy was causing financial burden on vehicle owners and demanding that consumers be given the option to choose between E-20 and pure petrol at fuel stations.
The Punjab Assembly passed a resolution urging the Centre to provide consumers with a choice between both fuel options and reduce the price of E-20 petrol to safeguard public interest.
Taking to social media, Mann claimed that the Central Government had implemented E-20 petrol despite admitting in Parliament that ethanol blending could reduce vehicle mileage. He alleged that the move was being accelerated due to pressure related to a trade agreement with the United States.
“The issue of E-20 ethanol-blended petrol being forced on consumers and the damage it is causing to vehicles was raised in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha,” Mann said, adding that consumers should not be denied the right to choose.
Winding up the debate in the Assembly, the Chief Minister said E-20 petrol had been introduced without adequate research, scientific assessment or consultation with stakeholders. He claimed that the Union Government had not obtained certification from engineering institutions or IITs regarding the impact of E-20 fuel on vehicle engines.
Mann alleged that vehicles originally designed for E-10 petrol were shifted to E-20 despite concerns raised by consumers. Referring to a survey, he claimed that 67 per cent of vehicles reported reduced mileage and 45 per cent faced engine-related issues.
He said vehicle owners, many of whom purchase vehicles through years of savings or loan repayments, were being forced to bear additional repair costs due to the policy.
The Chief Minister also referred to a public campaign launched by AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal on the issue and said more than two lakh signatures had been collected through a petition seeking intervention from the Prime Minister.
Questioning the Centre’s policy decisions, Mann alleged that the E-20 rollout was linked to a proposed trade arrangement with the United States under which India would import ethanol worth around $20 billion over five years. He claimed that the move would benefit American ethanol producers while putting additional pressure on Indian consumers.
“What is the compulsion that the Prime Minister has to accept everything said by US President Donald Trump?” Mann asked, alleging that American farmers were disposing of surplus produce while Indian consumers were bearing the impact.
The Chief Minister also questioned the timeline of the policy, asking why E-20 implementation was accelerated in 2026 when the original target was 2030.
He said the Punjab Assembly had discussed the issue in detail and reiterated that consumers should have the freedom to choose fuel according to their requirements.
Drawing a comparison with toll roads, Mann said people in many countries have alternatives based on their needs. He also highlighted the Punjab Government’s decision to shut 19 toll plazas, claiming that it had saved commuters nearly ₹67 lakh daily.
Reiterating his demand, Mann said he had written to the Prime Minister, Union Home Minister, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and other concerned authorities, urging them to reconsider the policy and protect consumer interests.
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