Protesters led by activist Tehseen Poonawalla have accepted Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s challenge to present victims of E20 petrol, offering to bring six vehicle owners whose cars allegedly suffered damage from the ethanol-blended fuel. The group insists any meeting with Gadkari must occur in the presence of media and be live-streamed.
Gadkari’s E20 Challenge and Protester Response
Gadkari, the Minister for Road Transport and Highways, dared critics on Wednesday to name even one person whose vehicle failed solely due to E20 fuel during an interview with India Today TV. The government has mandated 20% ethanol blending in petrol, though around 80% of vehicles are only compatible with 10% ethanol (E10). Critics claim reduced mileage and engine wear, while the Centre maintains E20 is safe for all vehicles.
Poonawalla, who organized a protest at Jantar Mantar last Sunday, stated Delhi Police prevented him from visiting Gadkari’s residence. In a video message, he demanded a public meeting, saying, “We have six such people, but we cannot arrange a meeting with Nitin Gadkari ji. If we go [to his house], we will be detained or arrested.” He added that any discussion must be transparent and live-streamed.
Conflict of Interest Allegations and E20 Concerns
Gadkari dismissed conflict-of-interest claims, stating his family’s 0.07% stake in ethanol production yields negligible financial benefit. Poonawalla countered, alleging Gadkari’s sons profit annually from the ethanol business, calling it a “beta badhao” (promote sons) scheme. The protesters argue the mandatory E20 rollout lacks preparation and consumer choice, despite the government’s assurances.
Motorists report issues like fuel system damage, mileage drops of 10-20%, and rough idling, particularly in pre-2023 vehicles. A study by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) found E20 can damage fuel-system rubber parts in E10-compatible vehicles, though the report remains unpublished. The debate continues as activists push for public verification of claims.
