Delhi Transporters Raise Alarm Over E20 Petrol, Set August 4 Parliament March

Delhi-based transport organisations have announced a protest march to Parliament on August 4 to demand the withdrawal of ethanol-blended petrol and greater choice for consumers.

The protest call has been given by the Delhi Taxi and Tourist Transporters and Tour Operators Association, along with other transport bodies. Association president Sanjay Samrat said the march was intended to draw Parliamentarians' attention to concerns being raised by vehicle owners and transport operators across the country over the impact of ethanol blending.

“We are planning to hold a protest march to Parliament on August 4 against ethanol-blended petrol, demanding its withdrawal,” Samrat said. He stressed that the movement was not politically affiliated and was separate from online campaigns such as the ‘E-20 Janata Party’.

The protest centres on E20 fuel, which contains 20 per cent ethanol and 80 per cent petrol. Transport associations have alleged that the fuel is linked to issues including lower vehicle mileage and potential damage to engines and other vehicle components.

Harish Sabharwal, national president of the All India Motor Transport Congress, said the association was supporting the Parliament march as consumers should have the option to choose between fuel types. However, he clarified that no transport strike has been announced at present.

Rajender Kapoor, president of the All India Motor & Goods Transport Association, also backed the demand, saying the government should make E20 petrol a choice rather than a compulsory option for commuters.

The protest comes amid growing public debate over the Centre’s ethanol-blending policy, with critics raising concerns about mileage, vehicle compatibility and possible engine wear. The government, however, has defended the programme, maintaining that E20 petrol is safe and cleaner and supports farmers. It has also ruled out any immediate plan to increase ethanol blending beyond 20 per cent.