On Monday, the Supreme Court dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that challenged the nationwide rollout of 20 per cent ethanol-blended petrol (E20). The plea, filed by advocate Akshay Malhotra, sought directions to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to ensure the availability of ethanol-free petrol at fuel stations. It also demanded mandatory labelling of ethanol content on pumps and dispensing units, along with information on vehicle ethanol compatibility at the time of refuelling.
The petition argued that vehicles manufactured before 2023, and even some BS-VI models, were not designed to handle higher ethanol blends. As a result, motorists were left with no option but to purchase fuel that could potentially damage their engines. “Direct the respondents to ensure that consumers are informed about the ethanol compatibility of their vehicles at the time of fuel dispensing,” the plea stated.
According to the PIL, the 20 per cent ethanol blend was causing issues such as mechanical degradation, reduced fuel efficiency, engine corrosion, and increased repair costs. It further alleged that insurance companies were denying claims related to ethanol-induced damage. The petition also cited international practices, noting that in the US and EU, ethanol-free petrol remains widely available, and pumps clearly display ethanol content, giving consumers an informed choice. In contrast, it claimed, India provides only ethanol-blended fuel without disclosing its composition at the pump.
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