Inspired by the CJP, 'E20 Janta Party' launches campaign against ethanol-blended fuel, seeks Gadkari's resignation

A new pressure group, calling itself the E20 Janta Party, has launched an online campaign demanding that consumers be given the option to buy 100% petrol alongside ethanol-blended fuel, Times of India reported, while also calling for the resignation of Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari over the government's ethanol-blending policy.

The campaign, inspired by the Cockroach Janta Party's online movement over the NEET paper leak that culminated in the resignation of then education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, quickly gathered traction on social media, amassing more than 25,000 followers on X within hours of its launch on Sunday.

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The fledgling outfit says it is not opposed to ethanol blending per se, nor is it seeking subsidies or free fuel. Instead, it is demanding greater consumer choice and transparency.

"We are not asking for subsidies, free fuel or withdrawal of ethanol-blended petrol. We are only demanding that consumers be given the choice to buy the fuel they want," the group said.

Among its key demands are the availability of 100% petrol at retail outlets, transparent fuel labelling so buyers know exactly what they are purchasing, publication of government data on the costs, benefits and impact of different fuel blends, and independent studies examining mileage, engine performance, emissions and maintenance costs.

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The campaign has also found backing from sections of the transport industry. The Delhi Taxi and Tourist Transporters and Tour Operators Association has announced a march to Parliament on August 4 to protest against the use of E20 petrol.

The association alleged that the ethanol-blending policy has reduced fuel efficiency, increased maintenance costs and adversely affected engine performance, particularly in older vehicles.

While ethanol-free fuel is available in India in the form of 100-octane premium petrol, it is sold only at select fuel stations and is priced significantly higher. In Delhi, the premium fuel costs around Rs 169 per litre, compared with Rs 102.12 per litre for standard E20 petrol, limiting its accessibility for most consumers.

The government, however, has maintained that there is no evidence of widespread issues linked to ethanol-blended fuel. Replying to a question in Parliament last week, Minister of State for Petroleum Suresh Gopi said the government had not received "widespread or substantiated" complaints about ethanol-blended petrol affecting vehicle performance. (With inputs from Times of India)