Chandigarh:
The Punjab Assembly on Tuesday unanimously passed a resolution urging the Centre to review and suspend the nationwide rollout of E20 ethanol-blended petrol for vehicles not originally designed or certified for it until concerns around compatibility, cost and consumer protection are comprehensively addressed.
What the Resolution Says
Moved by Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on the day of the Assemblys Monsoon Session the resolution raised concerns over engine compatibility increased maintenance costs and reduced fuel efficiency associated with E20 petrol. It noted that the fuels mandatory rollout had been advanced from a target of 2030 to April 2026 leaving what it called inadequate preparation time for both manufacturers and citizens. The House said the economic burden of the policy would fall heavily on middle-class families, farmers and transporters and demanded a independent scientific evaluation of the fuels impact on mileage, engine life and total cost of ownership before further implementation.
Cheemas Remarks
Speaking while tabling the resolution Cheema said consumers should have the option to choose between ethanol- petrol and E20 petrol and that owners of vehicles not designed for the higher ethanol blend should not be compelled to use it. He cited vehicle owner complaints of repair costs ranging between ₹25,000 and ₹50,000 due to damage linked to the fuel and questioned why the rollout had been advanced from its original 2030 timeline suggesting it had come under pressure from global ethanol-producing interests. He added that states should have been consulted before the ethanol-blending policy was approved.
Key Demands in the Resolution
The resolution acknowledged that reducing crude oil dependency and promoting eco- fuels are important national objectives but argued that such policies must be implemented transparently and with sensitivity toward citizens and state governments. Among its demands the Assembly urged the Centre to ensure that E20 petrols retail price reflects its comparatively lower calorific value and reduced fuel efficiency so consumers are not charged the same price for a fuel that delivers lower mileage.
Coincides with AAPs Delhi Protest
The resolutions passage came on the day AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal led a march toward the Prime Ministers residence in Delhi carrying over 2.3 lakh petitions against the E20 policy before being stopped by Delhi Police and holding a sit-in on Firoz Shah Road. Making Tuesday a coordinated day of action by the AAP-led Punjab government and the partys central leadership against the fuel policy.
Note: This report is based on statements made during Assembly proceedings and information available, at the time of publication.
