New Delhi, 08 July (H.S.): Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday wrote to 29 automobile manufacturers seeking a written clarification on the use of E20 fuel (petrol blended with 20 per cent ethanol). He asked the companies to respond within one week, stating whether the use of E20 fuel is safe for petrol vehicles manufactured before 2023.

Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters, Kejriwal said he had written to 29 automobile manufacturers seeking written clarification regarding their claims on E20 petrol. He said separate letters had been sent to Maruti Suzuki, Toyota and Hero, as representatives of these companies had stated during a government press conference on July 4 that using E20 fuel in older vehicles would only reduce fuel efficiency by 3–5 per cent and would not damage the vehicles.

Kejriwal, however, claimed that the owners' manuals of several vehicle models manufactured before 2023 by these companies do not permit the use of petrol containing more than 10 per cent ethanol blend (E10). He said this appeared to contradict the statements made during the government briefing.

He said the companies must clearly explain what their official policy actually is regarding the use of E20 fuel in older petrol vehicles.

Kejriwal further asked all automobile manufacturers whether they would compensate consumers if the use of E20 fuel resulted in a mileage reduction of more than 5–10 per cent or caused damage to any component of their vehicles.

He added that the remaining 26 automobile manufacturers had also been sent a common letter seeking clarification on their position regarding E20 fuel, its likely impact on fuel efficiency, and any potential damage it could cause to vehicles.

Kejriwal said he would visit petrol pumps, authorised service centres and local mechanics on Thursday to understand the experiences of ordinary consumers regarding the use of E20 fuel.

Alleging that the government was attempting to impose E20 fuel on the public, he said people's concerns over the issue were being ignored.

He also accused the government of sending contradictory messages by describing E20 at times as a trial initiative and at other times as being completely safe, adding that such inconsistencies undermine the government's credibility.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar