New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the nationwide implementation of 20 percent ethanol-blended petrol (E20), rejecting arguments that motorists were being forced to use fuel unsuited for their vehicles.
The petition, filed by advocate Akshay Malhotra, urged the court to direct the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to ensure the availability of ethanol-free petrol across fuel stations. The plea argued that millions of motorists, particularly those driving older vehicles and certain BS-VI models, were being compelled to purchase fuel that could damage engines not designed for high ethanol blends.
A Bench led by Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran, however, declined to entertain the plea. The Centre defended the E20 rollout, stating that it helps reduce dependence on fossil fuels and directly benefits sugarcane farmers by creating additional demand for ethanol.
The petitioner also sought mandatory labelling of ethanol content on all petrol pumps and dispensing units, so consumers could clearly identify fuel composition. He further requested that vehicle owners be informed about ethanol compatibility at the point of refuelling and called for a nationwide study on the impact of ethanol-blended fuel on mechanical performance and efficiency.
Despite these concerns, the court refused to intervene, effectively allowing the Centre’s clean energy transition policy to proceed. The government has projected that E20 will cut carbon emissions, save foreign exchange on crude imports, and boost rural incomes through expanded ethanol production.
