PIL Filed In Supreme Court Against Mandatory E20 Petrol Implementation
The majority of vehicle owners in India are not happy with the government's decision to force everyone to buy E20, or 20 percent ethanol-blended fuel, as it is damaging their vehicles. As a result of this frustration, and in seeking an answer from the central government of India, a PIL (Public Interest Litigation) against the E20 fuel rollout has been filed in the Supreme Court of India. In this PIL, the main argument raised is that millions of motorists are being forced by the government to use E20 fuel, which their vehicles are not designed for.
PIL against E20 fuel
This Public Interest Litigation has been filed by Advocate Akshay Malhotra in the Supreme Court of India. It highlights that offering only ethanol-blended petrol and not providing an option to buy ethanol-free petrol infringes on the fundamental rights of vehicle owners. Other concerns highlighted in the PIL include compatibility issues and technical impacts.
What are the demands mentioned in the PIL?
As per the reports, the PIL has demanded a number of things. The first is that there should be availability of ethanol-free petrol (E0) at all fuel stations nationwide. There should also be clear labelling of ethanol content at petrol pumps and on fuel dispensers.
Additionally, the PIL demands that, at the time of refueling, consumers must be told whether their vehicle is compatible with ethanol-blended fuel. Other demands include Consumer Protection Act enforcement. It states that the Ministry of Consumer Affairs should ensure that rules apply to ethanol-blended fuels and issue advisories.
Lastly, the PIL also stated that there should be a nationwide study on the impact of E20 fuel on fuel efficiency, wear and tear, and the safety of vehicles not designed for higher blends.
Concerns mentioned in the PIL
The PIL also noted the various concerns that vehicle owners have in India. Currently, vehicles manufactured before April 2023 are not compatible with ethanol blends beyond E10. Even some new BS-VI models, which are as recent as two years old, are not fully compatible with E20.
Due to this, there are technical issues that include corrosion of engine parts, lower fuel efficiency, premature wear and tear, and higher maintenance and repair costs. There are concerns related to insurance as well, as claims for damage due to ethanol-blended petrol may be rejected by insurers.
Additionally, manufacturers may also deny warranty claims, as using non-compatible fuel violates vehicle terms. Another major concern highlighted in the PIL is that most consumers in India are unaware that petrol is blended with ethanol. There are currently no labels or displays of ethanol composition at dispensing units.
Ethanol blending in other countries
As per the PIL, in the United States, E10 fuel is standard; however, ethanol-free petrol is also widely available. Pumps in the USA clearly display the ethanol content. In Europe as well, fuel pumps offer E5 and E10 fuels, and there are clear labels on the dispensing units. Currently, in India, there is a lack of both.
Will the Supreme Court overturn the E20 fuel rollout?
At the moment, the Supreme Court of India has not stated anything on the matter. However, we can expect a fair decision from the apex court, as most motorists in India are currently concerned with the infringement of their consumer rights. Whether the Supreme Court overturns the E20 fuel rollout or not will be seen in the near future.