‘My vehicle has never faced any issue’: BJP MP defends E20, admits mileage drop

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament Brij Lal has strongly defended the rollout of E20 petrol, a blend of 20% ethanol with gasoline. Lal stated that his own vehicle has operated without any problems using the E20 fuel. He asserted that those opposing the blended fuel are hindering India's development and are under the influence of foreign entities. The government maintains that ethanol blending has been a gradual process. "E20 petrol is safe. A narrative is being created, and a lobby is working against it," Lal told news agency ANI, adding that the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has issued clarifications. He acknowledged that E20 petrol results in a slight decrease in mileage, estimating a 3-4% drop. However, he emphasized that this reduction is outweighed by substantial national savings, as India imports 80% of its fuel. Blending ethanol, he argued, conserves foreign exchange that would otherwise be spent on imported crude oil. Lal characterized the criticism surrounding E20 as a politically motivated campaign by individuals opposed to the country's progress. Opposition figures, including Karnataka Congress chief BK Hariprasad and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal, have raised concerns. They cite reduced mileage, increased repair costs, and question why E20 is not cheaper to produce. Kejriwal has announced plans to seek written assurances from automobile manufacturers regarding compensation for potential mileage loss or engine damage, and clarity from the Prime Minister on who would bear costs if consumers incur losses. The government, however, insists E20 is safe for compliant vehicles, citing extensive testing by the Automotive Research Association of India and various manufacturers. It also noted that maintaining multiple grades of petrol would pose significant logistical challenges.

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E20 petrol is safe. A narrative is being created, and a lobby is working against it. The Ministry has issued a clarification. I too own a vehicle, and I use the same fuel, but my vehicle has never faced any issues.