Overview
- Arvind Kejriwal said the Centre plans to raise petrol ethanol above 20% and to mix ethanol into diesel and Aviation Turbine Fuel, prompting a sharp public backlash and calls to delay petrol and diesel vehicle purchases.
- Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu called the ATF claim “completely false and irresponsible” and emphasized that ethanol is not the same as certified Sustainable Aviation Fuel, which must meet international testing and standards.
- The Commerce and Industry Ministry said no commitments were made in India‑US trade talks to import ethanol for blending and that ethanol for the blending programme is sourced from domestic producers.
- BJP IT chief Amit Malviya and SIAM rebutted Kejriwal’s citations by calling the allegations misinformation, with SIAM saying selective excerpts of an internal note were taken out of context and that fuel testing covers more than 150 parameters.
- The row has escalated into political mobilisation with AAP planning nationwide town halls starting August 8 to press for a review of E20, while the government stresses tests show E20 may cut mileage by 2–6% but found no engine-failure evidence.