‘Who will compensate if the mileage decreases?’ Kejriwal cornered auto companies on E20 petrol

• Kejriwal sought written assurance from 29 auto companies regarding E20 petrol.
• Claim- Companies should give compensation if the mileage decreases by more than 10% or the vehicle gets damaged.
• Demand from the Central Government to make E20 not mandatory but optional.

New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal has raised questions on the central government and automobile companies regarding E20 (20% ethanol mixed petrol). He said he will write to around 29 automakers including Maruti Suzuki, Toyota Kirloskar, Hero MotoCorp, seeking written assurance on the safety and performance of E20 fuel.

Kejriwal said that if the mileage of a vehicle decreases by more than 10% due to the use of E20 petrol or there is damage to the engine and other parts, then the companies should take responsibility and compensate the customers.

What is Kejriwal demanding?

Kejriwal says that vehicle companies should tell in writing whether their models manufactured before 2023 are completely safe for E20 petrol. Also, if a vehicle malfunctions or parts wear out quickly due to E20, the companies guarantee to replace them free of charge.

He said that the companies should respond within seven days and he would also make these letters public.

What allegations should be made against the vehicle companies?

The AAP chief alleged that there is a contradiction between the owner manuals of many vehicle companies and their public statements. According to him, some manuals have advised to be cautious about high ethanol blended fuel, while on public forums companies are saying that E20 is completely safe. However, there was no immediate response from Maruti Suzuki, Toyota Kirloskar and Hero MotoCorp.

Concern expressed over 30 crore vehicles

Kejriwal claimed that there are about 22 crore motorcycles and 8 crore cars in the country which are not E20 compliant. They allege that if E20 is made mandatory, crores of vehicles may be affected. He has also talked about writing a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and demanded that instead of making E20 petrol mandatory, people should be given the option between normal petrol and E20.

The Central Government has already refuted the misinformation being spread on social media regarding the E20 programme. The government says that claims like E20 causing engine damage, cancellation of insurance or harm to the environment have no solid basis. At present, the debate between the government and the opposition regarding E20 petrol has intensified, while the response of the auto companies is awaited.