Delhi Transporters to Protest E20 Fuel, Seek Policy Review on Aug 4
Association to Demand Independent Review of Ethanol-Blended Petrol Policy, Citing Vehicle Performance Concerns
The Delhi Taxi and Tourist Transporters and Tour Operators Association has announced a protest march to Parliament on August 4 against the implementation of ethanol-blended petrol (E20), alleging that the policy has adversely affected vehicle performance and increased operating costs.
At a press conference on Friday, association president Sanjay Samrat said transport operators and vehicle owners across the country have reported reduced fuel efficiency, higher maintenance expenses and concerns over engine performance since the introduction of E20 fuel. Holding sugarcanes during the briefing, he questioned the government's ethanol-blending policy and its impact on the transport sector.
Samrat claimed that many vehicles manufactured before 2015 were not designed to run on petrol blended with 20 per cent ethanol and argued that E20 fuel is better suited for newer models.
"When people are paying for petrol and the government increases its price, why are we getting blended petrol? We are facing growing economic pressure due to regulatory and operational challenges," he said.
The association said its August 4 march to Parliament aims to press for an independent scientific review of the ethanol-blending policy. It demanded that the review involve vehicle owners, consumers, transport operators, automobile manufacturers and technical experts to assess the policy's long-term impact on vehicles and the transport industry.
The protest comes amid growing criticism from sections of the transport sector over the nationwide rollout of E20 fuel, with operators seeking a reassessment of its implementation for older vehicles.
