India seeks to quell public backlash on ethanol-mixed fuel after 'experiment' remark
The mandate requiring use of the fuel blend, known as E20, came into force last year but has emerged as a political issue for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government and motorists in the world's third-largest car market
India's government sought on Friday to contain a growing backlash against its mandatory use of 20% ethanol-blended petrol, as consumers unhappy about lower fuel efficiency and vehicle performance planned a protest against the policy.
The mandate requiring use of the fuel blend, known as E20, came into force last year but has emerged as a political issue for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government and motorists in the world's third-largest car market.
The controversy intensified this week after Attorney General R. Venkataramani told a court hearing that E20 was an "experiment" whose results would only become clear next year.
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The government denied the remark was made, but video of the court hearing showing Venkataramani using the term later circulated widely on social media.
Venkataramani told Reuters on Friday he used the term "experiment" in the context of ethanol supply volumes rather than the E20 fuel policy itself.
The clarification has done little to ease criticism, with opponents of the policy accusing the government of moving too quickly with its implementation.
The government's press office dismissed criticism on Friday as "wild claims" and urged people not to "fall for the rage bait".
Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri also sought to reassure consumers on Thursday by referring to ethanol's use in motor racing.
"They use it in racing cars also, the acceleration increases. Mileage, yes, it may drop a little," Puri said.
Motorists have voiced concerns that they no longer have a choice at fuel stations and have used the attorney general's comments to express dissatisfaction online.
Hundreds of complaints have appeared on X alleging reduced fuel efficiency and increased wear and tear on vehicle parts linked to E20 use.
In one video on X viewed more than 500,000 times, an agitated motorist identifying himself as Manish Kashyap stood in a workshop with his car and said it required repairs after being damaged by E20 fuel.
"I have spent a lot of money on this car and paid taxes only to find that after two months my car is not working," he said.
Political criticism has also emerged from opposition figures. Priyank Kharge, a state minister from the opposition Congress party, said on X that the E20 rollout lacked consultation and that the government "cannot challenge citizens to prove damage when your own data is still pending".
Separately, Tehseen Poonawalla, a New Delhi-based socialite and Congress party supporter, said he was planning a protest against the E20 policy in New Delhi on Sunday and had received interest from thousands of people seeking to participate.
The government says E20 helps reduce carbon emissions, lowers crude oil imports and saves foreign exchange, while supporting farm incomes by increasing demand for agricultural feedstocks used in ethanol production.
