MP Kamal Raises Questions Over Transition To E20 Fuel
For many Indians, personal transport is closely tied to aspiration and every day progress, making fuel policy decisions deeply consequential for households: Kamal Haasan
CHENNAI: Actor-politician and Rajya Sabha member Kamal Haasan on Thursday raised concerns in Parliament regarding the nationwide transition to ethanol-blended E20 fuel and the proposed discontinuation of E10 petrol, stressing the need for an informed, fair and consumer-conscious shift.
In his first unstarred question in the Rajya Sabha, Kamal Haasan sought detailed clarification from the Union ministry of road transport and highways on the impact of E20 fuel on vehicles, particularly older models, and the safeguards available to consumers.
He underlined that for many Indians, personal transport is closely tied to aspiration and every day progress, making fuel policy decisions deeply consequential for households.
In the question, the MP asked the government whether comprehensive studies had been conducted on the effects of E20 fuel on vehicle mileage, engine components and fleet compatibility. He also questioned the rationale behind the withdrawal of E10 petrol despite its wider compatibility with existing vehicles, and whether the government intended to retain E10 as an option for consumers.
Further, he sought clarity on guidelines related to vehicle warranty, insurance and consumer protection in cases of damage or higher operating costs arising from E20 usage, as well as the impact of ethanol price volatility on fuel affordability.
Responding on behalf of the government, Union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari stated that extensive studies had been carried out by an inter-ministerial committee (IMC) constituted under NITI Aayog in December 2020. The assessment was supported by research conducted by Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).
The minister informed the House that the studies did not indicate any compatibility issues or negative effects associated with the use of E20 fuel. He noted that extensive field trials had confirmed that even legacy vehicles running on E20 did not show significant variations in performance, abnormal wear and tear, or issues related to drivability, startability, metal compatibility or plastic components.
The government further clarified that vehicle mileage was influenced by multiple factors beyond fuel type, including driving habits, maintenance practices, air filter cleanliness, tyre pressure, wheel alignment and air-conditioning load.
Kamal Haasan later shared details of the exchange on social media, welcoming the response while reiterating that the transition to ethanol-blended fuels must prioritise transparency, fairness and consumer awareness. He emphasised that policy shifts affecting millions of vehicle-owners should be accompanied by clear communication and robust consumer safeguards.
