Nagpur: Amid the growing controversy over E20 (20 percent ethanol-blended) petrol, activists of the Indian Youth Congress and the National Students Union of India (NSUI) in Nagpur attempted to march towards the residence of Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari. Police detained several activists during the protest.
Protest against the E20 policy –
Led by local Youth Congress leader Mehul Advani, the protest saw activists oppose the mandatory use of E20 petrol. Protesters stated that this policy was being imposed on motorists and that there was public discontent about it.
Mehul Advani said, “We oppose making E20 mandatory and will continue our fight.”
What are the protesters’ demands?
The Youth Congress and NSUI claim that using E20 petrol can adversely affect the engines, especially of older vehicles, and can also reduce fuel mileage. They demand that the government provide consumers with the option of regular petrol without ethanol, so that people can choose the fuel according to their needs.
The government defended the policy.
The central government and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari have consistently supported the E20 policy. The government states that ethanol-blended fuel will reduce the country’s crude oil import bill, reduce carbon emissions, and provide economic benefits to farmers involved in sugarcane and other crops.
The Petroleum Ministry has also termed some of the claims related to E20 as misleading and said that the policy is being implemented on the basis of scientific studies and tests.
Action taken against those posting misleading content on social media:
Meanwhile, Nagpur Cyber Police have filed FIRs under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) against several social media influencers and content creators for allegedly spreading misleading information regarding the E20 policy. Police say the investigation is ongoing and further action will be taken based on the facts.