E20 fuel range: Kejriwal writes to auto firms, AAP shares mock ‘BJP petrol pump’ bill | The full text of the letter can be found here Today’s news
Aam Admi Party (AAP) president Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday wrote to 29 car companies over growing concerns over the use of E20 fuel in older vehicles.
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, the former chief minister said he had sent separate letters to three companies, namely Maruti, Toyota and Hero, which told a government press conference that there would be no problem in older vehicles if E20 fuel was used in them.
“Today I have written to 29 auto companies. I have sent separate letters to three companies – Maruti, Toyota and Hero – who have said in a government press conference that E-20 fuel will not cause any problem in older vehicles. I have pointed out to these three companies that in their user manuals older vehicles should not use fuel with ethanol content higher than E-10,” Kejriwal said.
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AAP, led by Arvind Kejriwal, is concerned that E20 fuel can damage older vehicles and lead to reduced mileage, despite manufacturers saying it is safe.
Kejriwal is seeking a written assurance to clarify whether manufacturers will compensate consumers for any drop in mileage or damage to vehicles when using E20 fuel, contrary to what their user manuals recommend.
Vehicles designed for lower ethanol blends such as E10 can experience significant mileage reduction and potential component damage if E20 fuel is used, which is why Kejriwal questions its safety.
Consumers should be careful, as the manufacturer’s assurances about E20 fuel contradict their own manuals, which recommend fuels with ethanol content up to E10 only.
Kejriwal demands that car manufacturers must provide compensation for any mileage loss above 10% or for repairs if E20 fuel causes damage to older vehicle components.
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He said he asked these companies two specific questions:
“So I asked them two questions: If the use of E-20 causes a mileage drop of more than five percent or damages any component, will there be compensation? Should they inform the public whether E20 can be used in the cars manufactured by them until 2023. If yes, then in case of mileage problems or damage to any component, will the company compensate the loss?” Kejriwal?
Here is the full content of his letter sent to Maruti, Toyota and Hero:
“I am writing to you as a concerned citizen of India following the Government of India press conference held on July 4, 2026, in which a representative of your company was present.”
“At this press conference, a representative of your company stated that it is safe to use E20 in vehicles manufactured before 2023 and that owners of these vehicles can expect only a minimal reduction in mileage and no damage to the vehicle or its engine components. This assurance has been widely reported in the media.”
“However, this assurance appears to be in direct conflict with the owner’s manual issued for your pre-2023 vehicles, which specifically recommends using only gasoline with an ethanol content of up to 10% (E10).
“This is not a minor inconsistency. The official written document provided by your company at the time of purchase does not recommend the very fuel that company spokespeople are now publicly calling safe as well. As a leading automobile manufacturer in India, you must agree that millions of your consumers have a right to know which of the two positions they should really rely on.”
“In light of this discrepancy, I request your company to issue a clear, public, written statement to all Indian consumers within one week of this letter that E20 is safe to use in pre-2023 vehicles and that its use will not cause any damage to the vehicle or any of its components. Kindly specify what mileage reduction can be expected. If so, please clearly state:
i. If a pre-2023 non-E20 compliant vehicle experiences a mileage reduction of more than 10% after using P20 fuel, will the company compensate the affected owner for this loss?
ii. For a pre-2023 non-E20 compliant vehicle, if the vehicle or its engine components are damaged after using E20 fuel, will the company compensate the affected owner for repair or replacement costs?
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Here is the full text of his letter sent to other companies
“There is a huge controversy going on across the country as to whether E20 gasoline (with 20% ethanol) can be safely used in vehicles before 2023.”
“Since your vehicles are used by croes Indians all over the country, I am sure you will agree that your consumers have a right to know your position on this matter.”
“Therefore, I request your company to issue a clear, public, written statement addressed to all Indian consumers within one week of this letter as to whether it is safe to use E20 in your pre-2023 vehicles both in terms of mileage reduction and damage to the vehicle and its components. Kindly specify what mileage reduction can be expected. If so, please state clearly:
I. If a pre-2023 non-E20 compliant vehicle uses E20 gasoline, will your company compensate all affected consumers for reduced mileage?
II. If a pre-2023 non-E20 compliant vehicle uses E20 gasoline, your company will reimburse all affected consumers for the cost of repair or replacement if any component is damaged”
AAP mocks BJP with ‘BJP Petrol Pump’ receipt.
Amid the ongoing controversy, which has now taken a political turn, AAP shared a fake petrol pump bill on social media, claiming that motorists were forced to pay the full price of fuel while getting ethanol fuel, which in turn reduces mileage.
The graphic released by AAP is a petrol pump receipt with the words “E20 premium receipt”.
It says “Gasoline 80% Ethanol 20%”
Other categories are “Customer Choice 0%”, “Price Reduction ₹0.00″, “Impact on mileage 20-30%”, “Possible additional maintenance”.
Then it says “TOTAL OFFERED: full gas price” and “TOTAL VALUE: reduced mileage”.
