The petition argued that, despite ethanol being cheaper than petrol, consumers are not benefiting from lower prices.
Published Sep 01, 2025 | 2:36 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 01, 2025 | 2:36 PM
Representational image. Credit: iStock
Synopsis: The petition alleged that the EBP infringes on the fundamental rights of vehicle owners with E20-incompatible vehicles, as it eliminates the option to purchase ethanol-free petrol (E0). It argued that the lack of public awareness and clear labelling at fuel pumps violates the right to informed consumer choice under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
The Supreme Court on Monday, 1 September, junked a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the Centre’s Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP), which mandates the sale of petrol blended with 20 percent ethanol (E20).
The case was heard by a bench comprising Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran. Senior Advocate Shadan Farasat, representing the petitioner, cited a 2021 NITI Aayog report that raised concerns about the compatibility of older vehicles with E20 fuel.
He clarified that the petitioner supported ethanol blending in principle but sought the availability of ethanol-free petrol (E0) for vehicles manufactured before 2023, which are not compatible with E20.
Farasat noted that only vehicles produced after April 2023 are designed to run on E20 petrol. He pointed to studies indicating a 6 percent reduction in fuel efficiency with E20 use and highlighted NITI Aayog’s concerns about the absence of E10 or E0 petrol as alternative options.
Attorney General for India R Venkataramani opposed the petition, arguing that the petitioner was merely a “name-lender” backed by a certain “huge lobby”.
Venkataramani defended the policy, stating that it was carefully formulated and supported India’s sugarcane farmers. He remarked, “Will people outside the country dictate what kind of fuel India should use?”
The petition alleged that the EBP infringes on the fundamental rights of vehicle owners with E20-incompatible vehicles, as it eliminates the option to purchase ethanol-free petrol (E0).
It argued that the lack of public awareness and clear labelling at fuel pumps violates the right to informed consumer choice under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
The plea said that most vehicles manufactured before April 2023, including some BS-VI compliant models from the past two years, are not suited for E20.
It claims that higher ethanol content causes engine corrosion, reduced fuel efficiency, accelerated wear and tear, and higher repair costs, with insurance claims reportedly being rejected due to such damage.
The petition further argued that, despite ethanol being cheaper than petrol, consumers are not benefiting from lower prices, as fuel stations charge the same rates. It contrasts India’s approach with that of the US and EU, where ethanol-free petrol remains available and blended fuels are clearly labelled.
The PIL requests court directives to ensure the continued supply of E0 petrol, mandatory labelling at fuel pumps, consumer advisories on vehicle compatibility, enforcement of consumer protection standards, and a nationwide study on E20’s impact on incompatible vehicles.
Ethanol blending in petrol increased from an average of 12.06 percent in 2022-23 to 14.6 percent in 2023-24. By February 2025, it had risenfuel to 19.6 percent, surpassing the 20 percent target shortly thereafter.
(Edited by Amit Vasudev)
