Today, On 1st September, The Supreme Court, led by CJI BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran, dismissed a PIL against 20% ethanol-blended petrol (E20), after the Centre argued that the initiative directly benefits sugarcane farmers and supports renewable energy goals.
The Supreme Court dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) on Monday concerning the introduction of 20 percent Ethanol Blended Petrol (E20) without providing consumers the option to choose ethanol-free fuel.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran issued the ruling after the Central government opposed the petition, asserting that E20 benefits sugarcane farmers.
Attorney General R Venkataramani stated on behalf of the government,
“This petitioner is an Englander (sic). Somebody from outside will dictate what petrol to use. Sugarcane farmers are benefitting from this. Now they will tell us don’t,”
Also Read: Supreme Court to Hear PIL Against Centre’s E20 Petrol Policy on September 1
During the hearing, the item was passed over initially.
Senior Advocate Shadan Farasat argued,
“We’re not opposing E20 itself, but consumers must be given a choice. Fuel stations should at least inform buyers, since only vehicles manufactured after April 2023 can handle E20. The issue is the withdrawal of E10, leaving no option for existing users.”
Attorney General R Venkataramani countered, saying,
“This plea is misplaced , ethanol blending supports sugarcane farmers, and we cannot let someone from abroad dictate our fuel policy.”
After hearing the arguments, the Chief Justice of India pronounced,
“Petition dismissed.”
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court by advocate Akshay Malhotra, challenging the government’s decision to roll out 20 percent Ethanol Blended Petrol (E20) across India without giving consumers the option to purchase normal petrol.
The petition argues that vehicles manufactured before April 2023 are not designed to handle fuel with 20% ethanol. Even relatively new BS-VI compliant vehicles, which came into the market just two years ago, are not fully compatible with this high ethanol content.
According to the plea, studies and reports from automobile manufacturers and research institutions reveal that blending petrol with ethanol causes multiple issues. These include corrosion of engine parts, reduced fuel efficiency, and faster wear and tear of vehicle components.
The petitioner has further warned that such damage will not be covered under existing insurance policies. If a vehicle suffers harm due to the use of E20 fuel, owners may not get any compensation. As stated in the petition:
“As the vehicles are not compatible with ethanol blended petrol which will result in damage to the said vehicles, the claim raised in this regard will not be covered by the manufacturers or the insurance companies as the consumers have violated the terms specified.”
Drawing comparisons with other jurisdictions, the plea points out that in the United States, ethanol-blended petrol usually contains 10 percent ethanol, but ethanol-free petrol is also made available to consumers.
The PIL seeks Supreme Court directions to ensure that ethanol-free petrol is made available at all fuel stations, that petrol pumps carry mandatory labelling of ethanol content, and that consumer protection laws are strictly enforced. It also demands a nationwide study to assess the long-term impact of E20 petrol on vehicle life and performance.
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