A majority of National Democratic Alliance (NDA) supporters are reluctant to use E20 petrol, with many expressing concerns over reduced mileage and possible damage to their vehicles, according to a recent C-Voter survey. The findings suggest that apprehensions about vehicle performance continue to outweigh support for the Centre’s ethanol-blending programme, even among voters aligned with the ruling alliance.
The survey found that 52.5 per cent of NDA supporters would not prefer using E20 petrol, while only 18.1 per cent said they would opt for the fuel. Another 29.5 per cent remained undecided. Opposition supporters were even more sceptical, with 57.9 per cent rejecting E20 petrol. Among supporters of other political parties, 55 per cent also opposed its use. Overall, 55.1 per cent of respondents said they would not choose E20, while only 17.1 per cent expressed support.
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The poll comes amid an ongoing debate over the Centre’s decision to expand the use of petrol blended with 20 per cent ethanol. Recently, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari challenged critics to produce even one person adversely affected by ethanol-blended fuel. Protesters responded by claiming they could present six individuals who alleged their vehicles had suffered after using E20 petrol, while also requesting a meeting with the minister before speaking publicly.
The survey also measured public opinion on the government’s ethanol-blending policy. Across all respondents, 52 per cent said they did not support blending ethanol with petrol, compared to 22 per cent who backed the initiative. Among NDA voters, 48.2 per cent opposed the policy, while 24.4 per cent supported it. More than a quarter of respondents remained undecided.
Concerns about vehicle performance emerged as one of the biggest reasons behind the resistance. According to the survey, 52.8 per cent of respondents believed E20 petrol reduces mileage. The perception was shared by 51.2 per cent of NDA supporters and 55.4 per cent of Opposition voters.
Similarly, fears about engine damage remained widespread. More than half of those surveyed, 54.2 per cent, believed ethanol-blended petrol could damage most vehicles. Nearly half of NDA supporters (49.9 per cent) shared this concern, while the figure rose to 60.2 per cent among Opposition voters. Another 14.3 per cent felt E20 could affect only certain vehicles, while just 10.9 per cent believed it posed no risk.
The survey also highlighted concerns among owners of older vehicles. Overall, 56.3 per cent of respondents felt making E20 petrol mandatory would be unfair to owners of vehicles not designed for higher ethanol blends. This view was shared by 49.2 per cent of NDA supporters and 65.8 per cent of Opposition voters.
Despite reservations about E20, respondents overwhelmingly favoured giving consumers a choice. Around 75.9 per cent said both ethanol-blended and regular petrol should remain available at fuel stations, including 72.4 per cent of NDA voters. Additionally, 74.5 per cent believed E20 petrol should be sold at a lower price than regular fuel. However, lower prices alone did not guarantee acceptance, with only 40.8 per cent saying they would switch to E20 if it were cheaper, while 40.4 per cent still said they would continue avoiding it.
The C-Voter Snap Poll surveyed 1,641 adults across India between July 8 and July 9 using Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI). According to the agency, the poll carries a margin of error of ±3 per cent at the macro level and was weighted to reflect the country’s demographic and electoral profile.
