The BJP on Tuesday accused Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of spreading misinformation about India’s E20 fuel policy, calling him a “congenital liar and a master manipulator” for allegedly manufacturing public panic. The party cited industry data to counter claims of widespread vehicle issues linked to the ethanol-blended petrol.
BJP Rejects Kejriwal’s E20 Fuel Claims
The BJP’s response follows Kejriwal’s criticism of the government’s rollout of petrol blended with 20% ethanol. The party stated that Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) President C. S. Vigneshwar reported no complaints of clogged fuel filters or starting problems tied to E20 fuel. Isolated cases, the BJP noted, were more likely caused by adulterated fuel rather than the ethanol blend.
Kejriwal had urged AAP workers and supporters to document and share experiences with E20 fuel on social media, aiming to pressure the government. The BJP condemned this as an attempt to amplify anecdotal claims and create a false narrative of nationwide problems.
E20 Fuel Policy: Benefits and Concerns
Proponents of E20 fuel argue it reduces crude oil imports, lowers emissions, and supports farmers by boosting ethanol demand. Critics, however, claim it may reduce mileage, affect older vehicles, and strain engine components. The government maintains that E20 is safe for compatible vehicles, with any fuel efficiency drop being modest.
The debate intensified after the government’s legal counsel described E20 as an “experiment,” which opponents cited as evidence of a rushed rollout. The government and automobile industry insist the fuel is generally safe and beneficial for India’s energy security.
