- Punjab Assembly seeks review and suspension of compulsory E20 rollout.
- House calls for ethanol-free petrol to remain an option for consumers.
- Resolution raises concerns over mileage, maintenance costs and vehicle compatibility.
- AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal also protested against the E20 policy in Delhi.
GG News Bureau
Chandigarh, 5th Aug: The Punjab Assembly has passed a resolution urging the Centre to review and suspend the mandatory nationwide rollout of E20 ethanol-blended petrol for vehicles until concerns over compatibility, consumer protection and state-specific impacts are comprehensively addressed.
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema moved the resolution during the second day of the Assembly’s Monsoon Session, criticising the mandatory implementation of petrol containing 20 per cent ethanol from April 2026.
The resolution acknowledged that reducing crude oil imports, strengthening energy security and promoting cleaner fuels are important national priorities, but said such policies should be implemented transparently and on the basis of scientific assessment.
The House flagged concerns over possible engine compatibility issues, accelerated wear of fuel-system components, reduced mileage, higher maintenance expenses, warranty disputes and lower resale value, particularly for vehicles not originally designed or certified for E20.
It urged the Centre to allow consumers to choose between ethanol-free petrol and E20 fuel and said owners of older or incompatible vehicles should not be compelled to use the higher ethanol blend.
The Assembly also sought an independent committee comprising automobile engineers, petroleum experts, environmental scientists, consumer organisations and representatives of state governments to assess vehicle compatibility, fuel efficiency, maintenance costs and other implications of the policy.
Cheema also raised concerns over the potential impact of ethanol production on Punjab’s groundwater resources and argued that higher transportation and operating costs could ultimately affect farmers and ordinary consumers.
The resolution came as AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal staged a protest in New Delhi against the E20 policy. Kejriwal marched towards the Prime Minister’s residence with over 2.30 lakh petitions before being stopped by Delhi Police, following which he held a sit-in on Firoz Shah Road.
