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‘Don’t Buy New Vehicles for Now’: Arvind Kejriwal Alleges Centre May Expand Ethanol Blending to Diesel and ATF
AAP chief claims the Centre could increase ethanol content in petrol and extend blending to diesel and aviation fuel, while urging the government to continue offering pure petrol alongside E20.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday alleged that the Central Government is planning to expand ethanol blending beyond petrol by introducing it into diesel and Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF).
In a series of posts on X, the former Delhi Chief Minister urged people to postpone buying new petrol and diesel vehicles, claiming that future fuel policy changes could affect vehicle owners.
The Centre has not announced any decision to introduce ethanol blending in diesel or ATF, and Kejriwal’s remarks remain allegations made on social media.
‘Don’t Buy New Vehicles,’ Says Kejriwal
In his Hindi post on X, Kejriwal alleged that after introducing E20 petrol, the government could eventually increase the ethanol content in petrol beyond 50 per cent.
He claimed that vehicle owners who purchase E20-compatible vehicles today could face problems if higher ethanol-blended fuel is introduced in the future.
Referring to the government’s ethanol policy, Kejriwal alleged that earlier-generation E0 and E10 vehicles had already been negatively affected after the rollout of E20 petrol.
Based on these concerns, he advised people to avoid purchasing new petrol or diesel vehicles for the next few years.
Claims Over Diesel and Aviation Fuel
In a separate post, Kejriwal alleged that the government is also planning to introduce ethanol blending in diesel and Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF).
Citing unnamed sources, he claimed that such a move could raise safety concerns for the aviation sector.
However, he did not provide evidence to support the claim, and the Central Government has not officially announced any proposal regarding ethanol blending in ATF or diesel.
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Earlier Letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Earlier this month, Kejriwal had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing concerns about the implementation of E20 petrol across the country.
In the letter, he requested that fuel stations continue offering both pure petrol and E20 petrol, allowing consumers to choose fuel compatible with their vehicles.
He also urged the government to reduce the price of ethanol-blended petrol to make it more affordable for consumers.
Debate Over Ethanol Blending Continues
India has been steadily increasing the use of ethanol-blended petrol as part of its strategy to reduce dependence on imported crude oil and promote cleaner fuel alternatives.
The government’s ethanol blending programme has been positioned as an important step towards improving energy security, supporting farmers, and reducing carbon emissions.
At the same time, the policy has sparked debate among consumers and automobile experts regarding compatibility with older vehicles and long-term maintenance costs.
Kejriwal’s latest remarks are likely to add to the ongoing political discussion around the country’s fuel policy, even as there has been no official confirmation of plans to introduce ethanol blending in diesel or aviation fuel.
