The political attention has turned from the NEET paper leak controversy to the Centre’s E20 ethanol-blended fuel policy, with protesters now aggressively opposing the rollout and calling for them to pressure Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari. It’s the second time the public has pushed for a new mobiliser since Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned in late May, which they feel is a sign that sustained public campaigning can shape government decisions.
Some groups opposing the E20 fuel policy have announced demonstrations in the national capital over the coming days. Team Bharat has planned a march to Parliament Street on July 31, while the Delhi Taxi and Tourist Transporters and Tour Operators Association has announced another protest on August 4.
The protesters are not demanding an end to ethanol blending completely. Instead, they are asking the government to create a choice for consumers: E20, E10, and pure petrol (E0) for vehicles to choose the fuel for their cars. This would help address the concerns of owners of older vehicles while maintaining the option to use ethanol-blended fuel for compatible models, said protest organizers.
The movement has also seen the emergence of a new pressure group calling itself the "E20 Janta Party," which has adopted a campaign model similar to recent issue-based protests. The group is calling for wider consumer choice and has also called for Gadkari’s resignation over the implementation of the ethanol blending policy.
Many E20 drivers have reported mileage cuts and higher maintenance costs after the wider rollout of E20 fuel, the campaign asserts. Surveys and consumer feedback are key reasons why those who say they want a scientific review of the policy before it can be made more widespread.
Gadkari, for his part, has dismissed allegations that he or his family has been involved in financial gains from the ethanol programme. He earlier filed a lawsuit against the Bombay High Court for alleged misinformation about him and his family via social media, deepfake videos, and images in relation to the E20 policy. His legal papers say that the ethanol blending programme is run by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and not by his ministry.
The government has maintained that ethanol blending is to reduce dependency on imported crude oil, increase energy security, support farmers by increasing demand for ethanol feedstock, and reduce vehicle emissions. Yet critics continue to question aspects of the policy– particularly the impact on older vehicles and the availability of alternative fuel options.
Many demonstrations are forecast in Delhi, and the issue has been brought to the fore of politics; the debate over E20 will be of interest in the coming days. How might the protests lead to policy change or further discussions on consumer choice?
