They refused to put it in writing: Kejriwal on 29 carmakers' E20 silence

Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday alleged that automobile manufacturers were under pressure from the Centre to avoid publicly stating whether E20 fuel was suitable for petrol vehicles manufactured before 2023.

Kejriwal said he had written to 29 automobile manufacturers seeking clarification on whether E20 fuel could safely be used in petrol-powered vehicles made before 2023. He also asked whether the companies would bear the cost of repairs or compensate consumers for any loss in mileage if the fuel damaged vehicles.

Claiming that none of the manufacturers responded in writing, Kejriwal said officials from nine companies had, however, told him during meetings that using E20 fuel in vehicles manufactured before 2023 could affect engines, fuel systems and fuel efficiency. According to him, the officials were unwilling to make these observations publicly.

"They refused to reply in writing. You can imagine the level of fear. But officials from nine companies met me and revealed the full truth," Kejriwal said.

He alleged that the companies were avoiding written responses because consumers could seek compensation if their vehicles were damaged or suffered reduced mileage. Kejriwal further claimed that the Centre wanted manufacturers to publicly maintain that E20 fuel was safe for older vehicles.

Questioning the government's push for E20 fuel, the AAP supremo claimed that nearly 30 crore vehicles manufactured before 2023, including around 22 crore two-wheelers and eight crore four-wheelers, could be affected. He also alleged that ethanol was more expensive than petrol, delivered lower mileage because of its lower calorific value and did not benefit farmers.

Kejriwal further claimed that police were attempting to get a proposed national town hall on E20 fuel, scheduled to be held at the Constitution Club on Saturday, cancelled.

There was no immediate response from the Centre or the automobile manufacturers to Kejriwal's allegations.

Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday alleged that automobile manufacturers were under pressure from the Centre to avoid publicly stating whether E20 fuel was suitable for petrol vehicles manufactured before 2023.

Kejriwal said he had written to 29 automobile manufacturers seeking clarification on whether E20 fuel could safely be used in petrol-powered vehicles made before 2023. He also asked whether the companies would bear the cost of repairs or compensate consumers for any loss in mileage if the fuel damaged vehicles.

Claiming that none of the manufacturers responded in writing, Kejriwal said officials from nine companies had, however, told him during meetings that using E20 fuel in vehicles manufactured before 2023 could affect engines, fuel systems and fuel efficiency. According to him, the officials were unwilling to make these observations publicly.

"They refused to reply in writing. You can imagine the level of fear. But officials from nine companies met me and revealed the full truth," Kejriwal said.

He alleged that the companies were avoiding written responses because consumers could seek compensation if their vehicles were damaged or suffered reduced mileage. Kejriwal further claimed that the Centre wanted manufacturers to publicly maintain that E20 fuel was safe for older vehicles.

Questioning the government's push for E20 fuel, the AAP supremo claimed that nearly 30 crore vehicles manufactured before 2023, including around 22 crore two-wheelers and eight crore four-wheelers, could be affected. He also alleged that ethanol was more expensive than petrol, delivered lower mileage because of its lower calorific value and did not benefit farmers.

Kejriwal further claimed that police were attempting to get a proposed national town hall on E20 fuel, scheduled to be held at the Constitution Club on Saturday, cancelled.

There was no immediate response from the Centre or the automobile manufacturers to Kejriwal's allegations.