New Delhi, August 6, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday challenged the Central Government to make public any scientific research that formed the basis for introducing E20 ethanol-blended petrol, alleging that the policy was implemented without adequate scientific evaluation.
In a statement, Kejriwal claimed that while the Centre has stated no decision has “yet” been taken to increase ethanol blending beyond E20, it may move towards higher blending levels in the future after public opposition subsides.
Referring to the government’s clarification, he said the Centre has maintained that any future proposal to increase ethanol blending would follow scientific studies, technical testing and consultations with vehicle manufacturers, oil marketing companies and other stakeholders. The government has also stated that India’s ethanol blending programme has evolved in phases over more than two decades and that E20 was introduced after extensive consultations.
Responding to BJP leader Amit Malviya’s remarks, Kejriwal said the government’s use of the word “yet” indicated that higher ethanol blending remained under consideration.
Questioning the implementation of E20, Kejriwal alleged that the policy was introduced without making any scientific studies public. He challenged the government to release any research reports that supported the decision, claiming those who opposed the move were discouraged from raising concerns.
Kejriwal further alleged that the Centre intends to increase ethanol blending in petrol beyond 50 per cent in the future and claimed such a move could adversely affect vehicles currently running on E20-compatible fuel. He also alleged that the government was considering ethanol blending in diesel and advised consumers to defer purchasing new petrol or diesel vehicles for the next few years.
In another statement shared on social media platform X, Kejriwal alleged that the government had pressured the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) to withdraw a report related to ethanol blending. He further claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was promoting ethanol use under pressure from US President Donald Trump, alleging that the policy was being pursued despite scientific concerns.
Kejriwal also claimed that the government was considering blending ethanol with Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) and said unnamed experts had expressed concerns about its potential impact on aviation safety.
The Centre has not accepted these allegations. Earlier on Thursday, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu categorically denied reports suggesting that the government was considering blending ethanol with aviation fuel, stating that no such proposal was under consideration.
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