Give consumers a choice between 100% petrol and ethanol-laced petrol, Aaditya Thackeray writes to PM Modi

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray. File. | Photo credit: ANI

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Worli MLA Aaditya Thackeray has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging the government to reconsider the mandatory blending of ethanol in petrol and give consumers a choice between pure petrol and ethanol-laced fuel.

In his letter dated July 16, 2026, Mr. Thackeray said that thousands of vehicle owners, especially from the middle class and the youth, have expressed concern over the rising percentage of ethanol in petrol. He said many families buy two-wheelers or cars after years of saving and paying off loans, expecting the vehicles to deliver the performance and mileage that manufacturers promise.

He said citizens have reported lower mileage and reduced performance with higher ethanol blends. He added that many vehicles currently on the road were not designed for such compounds and owners feel they are forced to bear the consequences without any alternative.

Mr. Thackeray also raised questions about the environmental sustainability of the policy. He said sugarcane, the primary source of ethanol production in India, requires a lot of water. He pointed to water shortages in several parts of the country and said citizens had doubts about whether this was the most sustainable approach.

He noted that there is a perception that the policy benefits certain companies and industry groups more than ordinary citizens. He said these concerns require a transparent solution regardless of their accuracy.

Mr Thackeray said consumers in many countries have the freedom to choose the fuel they use. He asked the government to make available both the options – 100% petrol and ethanol blended petrol for those who opt for it. He said this would protect consumer choice, prevent inconvenience to existing vehicle owners and build public confidence in government policy.

Published – 17 Jul 2026 11:47 IST