Kejriwal and Amit Malviya spar over Centre’s ethanol blending policy

A fresh political confrontation erupted on Thursday after Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) IT department head Amit Malviya engaged in a heated exchange on social media over the Centre’s ethanol blending programme.

The debate centred on the government’s fuel policy, with Kejriwal alleging that the Centre is planning to increase ethanol blending in petrol beyond the current level and eventually introduce ethanol blending in diesel and aviation turbine fuel (ATF). The BJP, however, dismissed the allegations as “fake news” and accused the AAP leader of spreading misinformation.

Kejriwal raises concerns over future ethanol blending

The latest exchange comes amid the AAP’s ongoing campaign against E20 petrol, which contains 20% ethanol and 80% petrol.

In a series of posts on X, Kejriwal claimed that the government may eventually increase ethanol content in petrol to more than 50%.

He also alleged that the Centre is preparing to extend ethanol blending to diesel and aviation turbine fuel, expressing concerns over the possible impact on vehicle performance and fuel efficiency.

According to Kejriwal, the rollout of E20 fuel itself was implemented without adequate scientific studies or public consultation, and he questioned whether sufficient research had been conducted before introducing the fuel nationwide.

Amit Malviya rejects allegations

Responding to the claims, Amit Malviya strongly denied that the government has taken any decision to increase ethanol blending beyond the current E20 standard.

He described the allegations as “fake news” and accused Kejriwal of attempting to create unnecessary public anxiety by discussing a hypothetical E50 fuel blend.

Malviya maintained that the ethanol blending programme has evolved over nearly two decades and that the implementation of E20 followed extensive testing, technical evaluation and consultations with stakeholders from the automobile and petroleum sectors.

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AAP continues campaign against E20 petrol

The exchange comes as the AAP intensifies its campaign against ethanol-blended petrol, arguing that E20 fuel could adversely affect vehicles not specifically designed for higher ethanol content.

The party has also claimed that the policy could increase maintenance costs for vehicle owners.

Earlier this week, Kejriwal and several AAP leaders attempted to march towards the Prime Minister’s residence with around 2.3 lakh petitions opposing E20 petrol.

However, Delhi Police stopped the proposed march, following which AAP leaders staged a protest on Firoz Shah Road.

Debate over ethanol policy continues

The Centre has consistently promoted ethanol blending as part of its strategy to reduce crude oil imports, improve energy security, support farmers through increased demand for ethanol feedstock and lower carbon emissions.

Meanwhile, the political debate over the policy has intensified, with the ruling BJP defending the programme and the AAP questioning its long-term implications.

As both parties continue to exchange allegations, the discussion over ethanol-blended fuel remains a significant political and policy issue ahead of future decisions on India’s energy roadmap.