'Millions forced to buy fuel their vehicles can't handle': Plea in SC challenges mandatory sale of 20% ethanol blended petrol

The plea sought directions to the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas to ensure the availability of Ethanol-free (E0) petrol at all fuel stations.

A PIL filed in the Supreme Court has challenged the nationwide rollout of 20 per cent Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP-20) alleging millions of motorists were forced to use fuel not designed for vehicles.

The plea, filed by advocate Akshay, said millions of everyday motorists were being left helpless at the pump, forced to buy fuel that many of their vehicles cannot handle.

It also said that rollout, without creating public awareness, violates the right of the consumers to have an informed choice as per the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

The plea said that millions of Indians are unaware that the petrol in their vehicles is not 100% petrol but a mix of ethanol and petrol. This, the petition said, compromises the basic component of an informed consumer choice due to non-disclosure of this material fact to the consumer.

The plea sought directions to the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas to ensure the availability of Ethanol-free (E0) petrol at all fuel stations.

The petition said the Central government's decision to implement the policy without giving automobile manufacturers adequate opportunity to design and release vehicles compliant with E20 is “unreasonable and arbitrary.”

Cars and two-wheelers manufactured before 2023, and even some newer BS-VI models, are not compatible with such high ethanol blends, it said.

It also pointed out that the vehicles as recent as 2 years old despite being BS-VI compliant, are also not compatible with 20% ethanol, however, they may be compatible with E-10.

The plea highlighted damage to engines, dropping of mileage among other consequences of the move.

It also sought direction for labelling ethanol content on all petrol pumps and dispensing units, making it clearly visible to consumers.

“Direct the respondents to ensure that consumers are informed about ethanol compatibility of their vehicles at the time of fuel dispensing. Engines are suffering corrosion, fuel efficiency is dropping, and repair bills are mounting, while insurance companies are rejecting claims for damage caused by ethanol fuel,” the plea said.

It also said that despite the fact that petrol is mixed with 20% ethanol, its price has not come down and the companies making gains by reducing the petrol component are not passing it on to the end customers, who continue to pay the same amount.

The PIL outlined how global practices differed sharply and said in the US and EU, ethanol-free petrol was still widely available, and pumps clearly displayed ethanol content for consumers to make an informed choice.

In India, however, only ethanol-blended fuel is sold, with no disclosure of composition at dispensing units, it added.

With inputs from PTI