20% ethanol blended petrol: SC dismisses PIL against nationwide rollout; Centre defends move | India News

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday rejected a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the nationwide introduction 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 make ethanol-free petrol available at fuel stations. It also urged mandatory labelling of ethanol content on pumps and dispensing units, along with information on ethanol compatibility of vehicles at the time of fuel dispensing.The petition argued that cars and two-wheelers manufactured before 2023, and some BS-VI models, were not designed for high ethanol blends. It claimed that motorists were left with no choice but to buy fuel that could harm their vehicles. “Direct the respondents to ensure that consumers are informed about ethanol compatibility of their vehicles at the time of fuel dispensing,” the plea said.According to the PIL, the 20 per cent blend was causing mechanical degradation, loss of fuel efficiency, engine corrosion, and higher repair costs. It also alleged that insurance companies were rejecting claims linked to ethanol-related damage.The petition highlighted global practices, stating that in the US and EU, ethanol-free petrol is still widely available and pumps display ethanol content clearly, giving consumers an informed choice. In contrast, India provides only ethanol-blended fuel without disclosure of composition at the pump, it added.