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Dismissed - Supreme Court Rejects Challenging E20 Rollout
The Supreme Court of India today (September 1) dismissed a Public Interest Litigation that sought ethanol-free petrol amid the nationwide push for E20 fuel. The plea argued that millions of Indians ride or drive vehicles not built for 20 per cent ethanol blends, raising concerns about engine damage and mileage loss.
A bench of Chief Justice B. R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran heard the petition by advocate Akshay Malhotra. The petitioner sought a rollback of the policy or the option to buy E0 petrol. He sought mandatory labels on pumps to warn drivers about the risks of ethanol-blended petrol.
The Supreme Court of India (Image Source: PTI)
Malhotra's filing cited a 2021 NITI Aayog report warning that older engines might lose fuel efficiency by up to six per cent using E20. He said that cars and bikes made before 2023-and some BS-VI models-were not tested for compatibility with high ethanol blends.
The Attorney General, R. Venkataramani, representing the Centre, called the plea backed by a vested lobby and not in public interest according to report by Bar and Bench. He defended the programme as part of India's broader energy transition strategy designed to support farmers and reduce dependence on imported crude oil.
The Centre has maintained that ethanol blending creates new markets for sugarcane growers and boosts rural incomes. At the same time, it reduces greenhouse gas emissions and aligns with India's commitments under global climate change agreements to lower fossil fuel reliance.
Initially, some automakers expressed reservations about the policy. Concerns were raised regarding the compatibility of pre-2023 vehicles with higher ethanol blends. However, industry body SIAM later clarified that while minor mileage losses may occur, there were no significant safety risks linked to the E20 rollout.
The dismissal now makes E20 the standard petrol available at nearly 90,000 fuel stations across the country. With no option for E0, India will continue advancing its ethanol programme, linking clean energy goals with agricultural growth and long-term energy security.
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