Give consumers option between 100% petrol and ethanol-blended petrol, Aaditya Thackeray writes to PM Modi

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Worli MLA Aaditya Thackeray has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the government to reconsider the mandatory blending of ethanol in petrol and provide consumers with a choice between pure petrol and ethanol-blended fuel.

In his letter dated July 16, 2026, Mr. Thackeray said lakhs of vehicle owners, particularly from the middle class and youth, have expressed concerns over the rising percentage of ethanol in petrol. He said many families purchase two-wheelers or cars after years of savings and loan repayments, and expect the vehicles to deliver the performance and mileage promised by manufacturers.

He said citizens have reported lower mileage and reduced performance with higher ethanol blends. He added that many vehicles currently on the roads were not designed for such blends, and owners feel they are being made to bear the consequences without any alternative.