Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
The debate surrounding E20 (20 per cent ethanol-blended petrol) has intensified, with the Petroleum Dealers Association (PDA) urging the Centre to reconsider the nationwide rollout of the fuel. The association claims the higher ethanol blend is leading to operational challenges for fuel station operators, who are increasingly being blamed by customers for vehicle-related issues.
The latest remarks come just days after several automakers and industry experts publicly defended E20 petrol, maintaining that vehicles certified as E20-compatible have undergone extensive testing and are safe to run on the higher ethanol blend.
advertisement
Dealers say fuel stations are bearing the brunt
Speaking to ANI, Petroleum Dealers Association President Sasanka Sekhar Sahu said petrol pump owners are facing growing difficulties as customers attribute vehicle problems to E20 petrol, despite dealers having no role in deciding the country’s fuel policy.
“We are urging the government to reconsider the introduction of E20 fuel. Dealers are facing significant difficulties with the current E20 rollout,” Sahu said.
He further claimed that while ethanol blending is generally limited to around 10 per cent in many countries, India has adopted a 20 per cent blend. According to him, a large number of vehicles currently on Indian roads, including several BS6 models, were not originally designed to operate on E20 fuel.
Sahu alleged that the introduction of E20 has led to complaints of clogged carburettors and other mechanical issues, with customers often confronting petrol pump operators over the problems.
“The government introduced the fuel, and we simply sell it,” he said, adding that dealers are unfairly facing public anger over a policy decision beyond their control.
Government’s push for E20
The Centre has been aggressively promoting E20 petrol as part of its broader strategy to reduce India’s dependence on imported crude oil, lower tailpipe emissions and support domestic ethanol production. The government has also been encouraging automakers to introduce E20-compatible vehicles as the transition gathers pace.
However, petroleum dealers have now called for a review of the rollout, arguing that concerns surrounding vehicle compatibility and customer awareness need to be addressed before wider adoption.
Contrasting views from automakers
The dealers’ concerns stand in contrast to recent statements from leading automobile manufacturers and industry experts, who have defended the transition to E20 petrol.
Several automakers have reiterated that their E20-compatible petrol vehicles have been extensively tested and are engineered to safely operate on fuel containing up to 20 per cent ethanol. Industry experts have also maintained that vehicles specifically designed and certified for E20 can use the fuel without adverse effects when maintained according to manufacturer guidelines.
The latest intervention from the Petroleum Dealers Association highlights that the debate over E20 petrol remains far from settled. While vehicle manufacturers continue to express confidence in E20-ready vehicles, fuel retailers say they are increasingly dealing with customer complaints and are urging the government to revisit the implementation of the policy.
Subscribe to Auto Today Magazine
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
