The rollout of E20 fuel (20% ethanol blended with petrol) poses significant and immediate challenges for millions of vehicle owners across India, especially those who purchased petrol vehicles as recently as 2022. These vehicles are barely three years old—well within their expected lifespan—but most are not compatible with E20 fuel. Using E20 in such vehicles can lead to engine damage, fuel system corrosion, increased maintenance costs, and reduced mileage.

For ordinary families, this is not just a mechanical issue—it's a financial blow. A car purchased with hard-earned savings could now require costly repairs or early replacement simply due to a policy shift that doesn’t account for existing users. This is unfair and regressive.

The environmental impact of E20 is also far from clean. Ethanol production relies heavily on water-intensive crops like sugarcane and maize, putting enormous pressure on already stressed water resources. Diverting agricultural land to fuel production raises concerns about food security and land use ethics. Additionally, in older, non-compliant engines, E20 may burn inefficiently, leading to higher emissions of pollutants — undermining the very environmental benefits the policy claims to deliver.

We are not against sustainable fuel alternatives. But the transition to E20 must be thoughtful and phased, not rushed at the expense of citizens. We urge the government to:

• Ensure dual fuel options (E10 and E20) remain widely available;
• Protect consumers with clear guidelines and support for vehicle users;
• Delay full E20 adoption until a majority of the fleet is compliant;
• Assess the true environmental cost of large-scale ethanol production.

Due to engine damage caused by non-E20-compliant vehicles, many owners may be forced to replace their cars or bikes much earlier than expected. This sudden increase in vehicle scrapping and new manufacturing will lead to a significant rise in carbon emissions—from the production, transportation, and disposal of vehicles. Instead of reducing pollution, the policy could unintentionally accelerate the carbon footprint of the auto sector.

Let’s support clean energy, but not at the cost of people’s vehicles, livelihoods, and limited natural resources. Raise your voice for a fair and science-based transition.

Sign the petition to delay and rethink the E20 fuel rollout.