The controversy surrounding mandatory E20 petrol has escalated after activist and entrepreneur Tehseen Poonawalla accepted Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s challenge to produce evidence that the fuel blend has damaged vehicles.
Poonawalla, who led a protest against E20 petrol at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar under the banner of Team Bharat, released a video saying he had identified six vehicle owners who claim their vehicles developed problems after using E20 fuel. However, he alleged that Delhi Police advised him not to visit Gadkari’s residence, prompting him to seek an official appointment instead.
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Calling for transparency, Poonawalla urged Gadkari to hold the meeting in the presence of the media and livestream it. “We have people whose vehicles have developed issues due to E20. Please give us an appointment so we can present them before you,” he said.
The challenge came after Gadkari, during an interview with India Today TV, dismissed allegations that E20 petrol damages vehicles. He said no one had proven that ethanol blending alone caused vehicle failures and invited critics to present even one verified case. Gadkari also said complaints would be investigated and compensation provided if ethanol was found responsible.
Responding to allegations of conflict of interest over his family’s involvement in the ethanol business, Gadkari said his stake in ethanol production was only 0.07 per cent. Poonawalla rejected the explanation, alleging the minister’s family still benefits financially from the growing ethanol industry.
The E20 debate has intensified since the government made the fuel mandatory nationwide. While the Centre says the programme reduces oil imports, supports farmers and lowers emissions, critics claim E20 has led to reduced mileage and damage to fuel system components, particularly in older vehicles. Protesters say they are not opposed to ethanol blending but want suitable fuel options for vehicles that are not designed to run on E20.
