Chandigarh: Punjab Cabinet Minister for Jails, NRI Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. Ravjot Singh, today strongly supported the resolution on E20 (20 per cent ethanol-blended) petrol in the Punjab Legislative Assembly, asserting that the Punjab Government is not opposed to ethanol blending as a policy, but is seeking its phased implementation along with adequate consumer safeguards and the continued availability of fuel choices.
Participating in the discussion on the resolution, Dr. Ravjot Singh said that the Government of India’s National Biofuel Policy envisaged a gradual increase in ethanol blending up to 20 per cent by 2030. However, he expressed concern over the accelerated implementation of the policy, stating that such a significant transition should be backed by adequate preparedness, technical compatibility and sufficient options for consumers.
Highlighting the technical aspects of ethanol-blended fuel, the Cabinet Minister said that ethanol possesses a lower calorific value than conventional petrol, resulting in comparatively lower fuel efficiency and increased fuel consumption to deliver the same level of performance. He further pointed out that ethanol is hygroscopic in nature, enabling it to absorb moisture from the atmosphere, which could adversely affect engines, fuel tanks, fuel lines and rubber components, particularly in vehicles that remain unused for prolonged periods.
Dr. Ravjot Singh informed the House that nearly 300 million vehicles manufactured before April 2023, including around 220 million two-wheelers and 80 million four-wheelers, were not designed to be E20-compliant. He stressed that the Government of India must clearly address concerns regarding potential damage to such vehicles and fix accountability in case consumers suffer losses.
Drawing attention to environmental concerns, the Cabinet Minister said that ethanol production requires substantial quantities of water, particularly when derived from crops such as sugarcane, paddy and maize. He emphasized that the long-term implications for water resources, agriculture and environmental sustainability must be carefully evaluated before large-scale implementation.
He further observed that while oil marketing companies, ethanol producers and the government may benefit from the existing policy framework, ordinary consumers could be left to bear higher operating costs, reduced fuel efficiency and possible maintenance expenses.
Dr. Ravjot Singh reiterated that Punjab’s primary demand is not the withdrawal of E20, but the provision of consumer choice. He urged the Government of India to ensure that conventional petrol (E10) continues to remain available alongside E20, as is the practice in several countries where consumers are free to choose from different ethanol-blended fuel options according to their vehicle specifications.
The Cabinet Minister also demanded that E20 blended petrol should be priced lower than conventional petrol to offset its comparatively lower energy efficiency and to prevent any additional financial burden on consumers.
Concluding his address, Dr. Ravjot Singh urged that the resolution adopted by the Punjab Legislative Assembly be forwarded to the Government of India for a comprehensive review of the E20 policy in the larger public interest. He also appreciated Punjab Finance Minister S. Harpal Singh Cheema for initiating the discussion on an issue that directly affects millions of vehicle owners and has far-reaching economic, environmental and consumer implications.
