Arvind Kejriwal Challenges India's E20 Petrol Rollout in Delhi

Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal visited a petrol pump and vehicle service station in Delhi on July 11, 2026, to investigate reports of motorist distress. Kejriwal alleged that the nationwide rollout of E20-blended petrol—fuel containing 20% ethanol—is causing reduced mileage and mechanical malfunctions in vehicles. He characterized government claims regarding the fuel's impact as "blatant lies" and criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the administration's response to concerned citizens.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas defended the policy, stating that E20 enhances energy security and lowers carbon emissions. While the ministry acknowledged a potential 3-5 percent reduction in fuel economy, it denied reports of widespread corrosion or abnormal wear, citing data from manufacturers Maruti Suzuki and Hero MotoCorp. Government officials ruled out returning to lower ethanol blends, asserting that providing multiple fuel grades is logistically unfeasible.

This dispute follows Kejriwal's demands for written clarifications from automobile manufacturers regarding the safety of the blend for vehicles produced before 2023. The controversy intensified after reports surfaced that the Attorney General described the policy as an "experiment" during Supreme Court proceedings.