Motorists left helpless: Plea in top court against mandatory sale of E20 petrol

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court of India challenging the compulsory supply of 20 percent Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP-20) across the country without informing or giving any choice to consumers.

The petitioner, Advocate Akshay Malhotra, argued that “millions of everyday motorists are being left helpless as they are forced to buy fuel that their vehicles cannot handle.” He highlighted that vehicles manufactured before 2023, and even some newer BS-VI models, are not compatible with petrol blended with 20 percent ethanol. This has led to engine damage, lower mileage, higher repair bills, and even denial of insurance claims, the plea claimed.

The PIL further draws a comparison with global practices, noting that in the US and EU, ethanol-free petrol remains available, and blended fuels are sold with clear labelling at petrol stations to allow consumers to make informed choices. In India, however, motorists are not informed, and petrol pumps sell only ethanol-blended fuel without disclosing its content.

The petition urges the Supreme Court to protect consumer rights by directing the government to restore ethanol-free petrol, mandate labelling of ethanol content at every fuel station, and commission a nationwide study on the long-term damage caused to non-compatible vehicles.

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