पणजीत ई२० इंधन धोरणावरून अरविंद केजरीवाल यांचा केंद्र सरकारवर...

By GT24x7 Reporter · 24 August 2026 · GlobalToday24x7

Ahead of the Aam Aadmi Party's scheduled town hall meeting in Goa, National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal launched a sharp attack against the Central Government's nationwide implementation of E20 petrol (a blend of 20 percent ethanol and 80 percent petrol). Speaking to reporters in Panaji on Monday, August 24, 2026, Kejriwal argued that the compulsory rollout of E20 fuel has created severe economic and operational challenges for everyday citizens, ranging from escalating domestic food prices to vehicle maintenance issues. The AAP chief invited citizens to voice their concerns during the party's E20 Townhall scheduled for Tuesday afternoon in Miramar.

Central to Kejriwal's critique was the economic arithmetic behind the ethanol blending mandate. He alleged that the large-scale diversion of sugarcane and maize toward ethanol production had severely constrained domestic sugar supplies, causing retail sugar prices to surge from roughly ₹45 per kg to over ₹70 per kg within weeks. Kejriwal questioned the foresight of central planners, asserting that the foreign exchange initially projected to be saved on crude oil imports is now being diverted to import raw sugar and agricultural feed to offset domestic shortfalls.

Engine Performance Concerns and Political Response

Beyond the macroeconomic impact, Kejriwal highlighted growing grievances from vehicle owners regarding fuel efficiency and mechanical reliability. Citing public feedback submitted to AAP's feedback platforms, he claimed that motorists—particularly two-wheeler riders and commercial drivers—are experiencing noticeable drops in fuel mileage alongside accelerated wear on fuel injectors, lines, and engines. He reiterated his demand that the government restore consumer choice by providing unblended or lower-blend petrol alongside E20 at pumps nationwide.

In response to opposition criticisms, Union government representatives and industry executives have defended the E20 policy, asserting that ethanol blending undergoes rigorous testing, lowers overall vehicular emissions, and significantly reduces India's dependence on foreign crude imports. Official government statements also attributed recent sugar price fluctuations to erratic weather patterns and global supply shifts rather than ethanol diversion alone. Nevertheless, AAP leadership signaled its intention to escalate public campaigns against forced E20 compliance in Goa and across other states.