New Delhi: Concerns Over E20 Petrol and Vehicle Safety
AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal raised concerns on Wednesday about the government’s influence on automobile manufacturers regarding E20 petrol. He claimed that the Centre is pressuring these companies to keep quiet about the potential risks of using E20 petrol in vehicles made before 2023. This claim was quickly denied by Harsh Malhotra, the president of the Delhi BJP, who urged Kejriwal to provide proof of any vehicles damaged by ethanol-blended fuel.
During a press conference, Kejriwal revealed that he had contacted 29 companies that produce two-wheelers and four-wheelers, asking if E20 petrol would be safe for older vehicles and whether the manufacturers would compensate owners if their vehicles experienced any damage or reduced performance. He noted that while none of the companies responded in writing, representatives from nine firms spoke to him on the phone. According to Kejriwal, these officials indicated that using E20 fuel could potentially harm engines and fuel systems in older models.
Kejriwal further alleged that the Centre had warned automobile companies against publicly discussing these issues, citing threats of investigation by agencies like the ED, CBI, and the income tax department. He warned that the push for E20 petrol could render around 30 crore older vehicles unusable.
In response, Delhi BJP president Harsh Malhotra challenged Kejriwal to present evidence of any vehicles that had suffered damage due to the use of ethanol-mixed fuel, reiterating his demand for concrete proof to back up the claims.
