Delhi transport unions plan 'E-20' protest march to Parliament on August 4

Several Delhi-based transport associations have announced a protest march to Parliament on August 4, seeking the withdrawal of ethanol-blended petrol and demanding a review of the E20 fuel rollout.

The protest call has been issued by the Delhi Taxi and Tourist Transporters and Tour Operators Association along with other transport bodies, which have raised concerns over the impact of ethanol blending on vehicles and commuters.

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"We are planning to hold a protest march to Parliament on August 4 against ethanol blended petrol demanding its withdrawal. We want to give a wake-up call to the member of parliaments who are sleeping till now on this issue, as the problems in vehicles from the ethanol blending are coming from across the country," Sanjay Samrat, president of the Delhi Taxi and Tourist Transporters and Tour Operators Association, said.

Samrat clarified that the demonstration was not linked to any political group or party.

"We do not want to make this a political issue, and are not associated with any 'E-20 Janta Party' or Cockroach Janta Party or any other political party," he said, referring to the online campaign that has emerged around opposition to E20 fuel, which contains 20% ethanol blended with petrol.

Harish Sabharwal, national president of the All India Motor Transport Congress, said the association’s concern was primarily about the lack of choice for consumers.

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"We have said that ethanol blended petrol should not be forced upon commuters, there should be a choice, currently there is no option being given. We are supporting the protest march to Parliament, there is no call for any strike given by the association as of now," he said.

Rajender Kapoor, president of the All India Motor & Goods Transport Association, also supported the demand for allowing consumers an alternative.

"This is a major issue, this is damaging vehicles, we hope the government makes E 20 blended petrol a choice for commuters," Kapoor said.

The planned march comes amid a wider debate over the government’s ethanol blending programme. An online movement called 'E-20 Janata Party', inspired by the earlier “Cockroach Janta Party” campaign, has also gained traction on social media.

The E20 fuel policy has faced criticism from sections of vehicle owners and transport operators over concerns related to mileage, engine performance and long-term vehicle compatibility.

The government has maintained that E20 petrol is safe for use, environmentally beneficial and supports farmers through increased ethanol demand. It has also ruled out any immediate move to increase ethanol blending beyond the current 20% level.