E20 petrol row: Arvind Kejriwal alleges 'strong-arm tactics’; BJP hits back
Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal has accused the Indian government of pressuring automobile manufacturers to hide potential risks of E20 ethanol-blended fuel for older vehicles. The BJP has rejected these claims, citing public support from automakers for the fuel initiative.
Why it matters
The dispute highlights significant concerns regarding consumer safety, vehicle longevity, and the government's aggressive push for green energy policies.
NEW DELHI: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday alleged that the Centre was pressuring automobile manufacturers not to publicly disclose that E20 petrol could damage vehicles manufactured before 2023, a claim rejected by the BJP, which cited public statements by leading automakers backing the ethanol-blended fuel.Addressing a press conference, Kejriwal said he had written to 29 manufacturers of motorcycles, scooters, cars and SUVs, asking whether vehicles manufactured before 2023 were compatible with E20 petrol and whether companies would compensate consumers if the fuel damaged vehicles or reduced mileage.Claiming that none of the companies responded in writing, Kejriwal said he had detailed phone conversations with officials from nine manufacturers."According to them, from a technical and engineering standpoint, using E20 fuel in vehicles manufactured before 2023 could damage the vehicle, including the engine and fuel train system, and could also reduce fuel efficiency," he alleged.Kejriwal further claimed that…
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