The Supreme Court has dismissed a plea that challenged the nationwide rollout of 20 per cent Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP-20) and sought the option of ethanol-free petrol. Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice K Chandran heard the matter.
According to a report by LiveLaw, Senior Advocate Shadan Farasat appeared for the petitioner. He cited a 2021 NITI Aayog report and expressed concerns over the use of E20 fuel in older vehicles, which were tested for E10. Farasat told the apex court that the petitioner is seeking an option of ethanol-free petrol in older vehicles, vehicles which were manufactured before the year 2023. This is because, the advocate argued, the vehicles that were manufactured after 2023 are compliant with the E20 fuel.
‘Dismissed,’ said SC on E20
Attorney General R Venkataramani, who defended the Centre over the E20 fuel to help the country meet the Net Zero 2070 goal, said that the policy was benefiting Indian farmers and helping the government save money. He also termed the petitioner a “name-lender”.
“Will people outside the country dictate what kind of fuel India should use?” he asked.
Just as he finished, the bench of the apex court said, “Dismissed.”
What did the petition say?
The PIL noted that the government’s fuel policy violates the fundamental rights granted by the Constitution, forcing vehicle owners to use a fuel that is not compatible with E20 fuel.
It argued that most vehicles manufactured before April 2023, and even some BS-VI models from the past two years, are not equipped to run on E20 fuel. It claimed that the higher the ethanol mix, the more impact it has on the vehicle. The PIL also claimed that it causes engine corrosion, lower mileage, faster wear and tear, and higher repair costs. According to the plea, insurance companies are also rejecting claims for such damage.
It further contended that while ethanol is cheaper than petrol, consumers have not received any cost benefit, as fuel stations continue to charge the same price. The petition also mentioned the approach undertaken by the US and EU, where ethanol-free petrol is sold alongside blended variants, which are also clearly labelled.
The petitioner also sought directions to keep ethanol-free petrol (E0) available, along with proper labelling at pumps, advisories on vehicle compatibility, consumer protection rules, and a study on the effect of E20 on incompatible vehicles.
‘Tomorrow you may be served with 50% ethanol,’ say consumers
As SC trashed the plea against the rollout of E20 fuel, consumers have started reacting to it on social media, with many not happy with the apex court’s decision.
“Why aren’t manufacturers saying it’s ok to put E20 fuel in my E10 car, then milord? They know better or you know better?” asked on consumer.
Another added, “And just like that, India’s private cars ‘Demonetised’.”
“Tomorrow, you may be served 50% Ethanol as fuel for your car. And the people will accept it without a whimper. Millions of tweets, a few futile petitions in the SC and then quiet,” said a third, before asking, “Haven’t we seen this before?”