The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a PIL challenging the Union government's Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme mandating the sale of petrol blended with 20 per cent ethanol (E20).
A bench of Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran after hearing the case briefly dismissed the same.
Senior Advocate Shadan Farasat, for the petitioner, referred to a 2021 NITI Ayog Report, which he said, expressed concerns about the impact of older vehicles which are not compliant with E20. He clarified that the petitioner was not against Ethanol-blending, but was only seeking an option of ethanol-free petrol for vehicles manufactured prior to 2023, which are not compatible with E20.
Petitioner’s arguments
The court was hearing Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Akshay Malhotra. The plea sought to compel the government to continue offering ethanol-free petrol (E0) for consumers—primarily owners of older vehicles amid the nationwide adoption of 20 per cent Ethanol-Blended Petrol (E20). According to Malhotra, many vehicles manufactured before April 2023 are incompatible with the higher ethanol blend, raising concerns about engine damage, reduced fuel efficiency, and invalidated warranties or insurance claims.
Government’s stand
Attorney General R. Venkataramani forcefully opposed the petition, challenging the petitioner’s motives and framing the issue as legislative policy rather than judicial domain. He emphasised the widespread benefits of E20 including support to sugarcane farmers and energy independence and dismissively remarked that "Will people outside the country dictate what kind of fuel India should use?"
What is E20?
E20 is a fuel blend containing 20 per cent ethanol and 80 per cent petrol, introduced under EBP programme to cut crude oil imports and emissions. Ethanol, produced from sugarcane and grains, is renewable and cleaner-burning than petrol. According to NITI Aayog, the shift to E20 can save about Rs 30,000 crore annually in foreign exchange, reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 65 per cent, and boost farmers’ incomes by creating demand for ethanol feedstock.
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While concerns remain over fuel efficiency and compatibility in older vehicles, the government views E20 as a crucial step in India’s clean energy transition.
Consumer concerns
The petition argues that the programme violates the fundamental rights of vehicle owners whose vehicles are incompatible with E20, as it leaves no option to purchase ethanol-free petrol (E0). It contends that the absence of public awareness and proper labelling of fuel pumps breaches the right to informed consumer choice under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
The plea states that most vehicles manufactured before April 2023 and even some BS-VI compliant vehicles from the last two years are not suitable for E20. It claims that the higher ethanol content leads to corrosion of engine parts, reduced fuel efficiency, premature wear and tear, and increased repair costs. Insurance claims are allegedly being denied due to such damage.
The petition also alleges that despite ethanol being cheaper than petrol, the cost benefit has not been passed on to consumers, and fuel stations continue to charge the same price. It contrasts India's practice with that of the US and EU, where ethanol-free petrol remains available and blended fuels are clearly labelled.
The PIL seeks directions to ensure the continued availability of E0 petrol, mandatory labelling of fuel pumps, consumer advisories regarding vehicle compatibility, enforcement of consumer protection norms, and a nationwide study on the impact of E20 on non-compatible vehicles.
The Supreme Court’s dismissal of the EOS-free petrol plea signals legal affirmation of India’s clean energy transition. The decision, combined with the government’s documented environmental and economic gains, underscores a resolute national direction toward sustainable fuel. Still, the consumer interface needs careful calibration through transparency, choice, and support to ensure that the transition is not only green, but fair.
