Supreme Court dismisses challenge to nationwide rollout of 20% Ethanol petrol policy

Attorney General R Venkataramani, opposing the petition, said that the matter had already been thoroughly examined before the policy’s rollout

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain a petition challenging the nationwide introduction of 20 per cent Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP-20) and seeking the continued availability of ethanol-free fuel.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, along with Justice K Vinod Chandran, dismissed the plea filed by advocate Akshay Malhotra.

Attorney General R Venkataramani, opposing the petition, said that the matter had already been thoroughly examined before the policy’s rollout. He alleged that the petitioner was merely a “front” for a larger lobby and stressed that the policy benefits sugarcane farmers while also conserving foreign exchange. “Should people outside the country decide what fuel India should use?” the AG remarked.

Senior advocate Shadan Farasat, representing the petitioner, argued that only E20 petrol is now available without prior notice to consumers, depriving them of choice. He pointed to a 2021 NITI Aayog report that had flagged concerns regarding older vehicles not designed for E20 use, noting that only vehicles manufactured after April 2023 are E20-compliant.

Farasat clarified that the plea was not opposed to ethanol blending as a policy but sought an option for ethanol-free petrol for vehicles made before 2023, which cannot safely use E20 fuel. The petition also claimed that millions of motorists are being compelled to use petrol incompatible with their vehicles.

The petition sought directions to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to make ethanol-free petrol available at fuel stations nationwide. It further requested mandatory display of ethanol content at all pumps and dispensing units, along with measures to ensure that consumers are informed about their vehicle’s ethanol compatibility while refueling.

According to the plea, vehicles manufactured before 2023 — and even certain newer BS-VI models — are not suitable for high ethanol blends like E20.

(With ANI inputs)