Kejriwal Demands Consumer Choice on E20 Fuel, Announces March to PM's Residence
New Delhi | Desk: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday questioned the Centre's rollout of the E20 fuel policy, raising concerns over its impact on consumers and announcing a march to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence on August 4 to submit a petition seeking changes to the policy.
Addressing a press conference at the Constitution Club of India, Kejriwal put forward three key demands. He said motorists should be given the freedom to choose between E20-blended petrol and conventional petrol at fuel stations, instead of being compelled to use a single fuel option.
"Consumers should have a choice at petrol pumps. Those who want to buy E20 petrol should be able to do so, while those who prefer pure petrol should also have that option," he said.
His second demand was that E20 petrol should be sold at a lower price than conventional petrol. Arguing that the ethanol blend is being promoted as a cost-effective alternative, Kejriwal said consumers should receive a financial benefit for using it.
Third, he urged the Centre to reduce retail petrol prices to below ₹84 per litre, claiming that the decline in global crude oil prices has created room for a substantial cut in domestic fuel prices.
Kejriwal alleged that the current E20 policy was causing inconvenience to vehicle owners and claimed that many consumers were facing operational issues after using the fuel. He further alleged that the policy was being implemented under pressure from the United States, though he did not provide evidence to support the claim during the press conference.
Calling for a review of the policy, the former Delhi Chief Minister said the government should prioritise consumer interests and ensure greater transparency in decisions related to fuel pricing and fuel standards.
Announcing a protest programme, Kejriwal said the AAP would collect signatures and petitions from citizens before leading a march to the Prime Minister's residence at Lok Kalyan Marg on August 4. He said he would personally lead a group of around 100 people to submit the memorandum to the Prime Minister, urging the government to reconsider the E20 fuel policy and address the concerns raised by consumers.
