Supreme Court Dismisses PIL Challenging E20 Petrol Policy, Seeks No Option for Ethanol-Free Petrol

Supreme Court Dismisses PIL Challenging E20 Petrol Policy, Seeks No Option for Ethanol-Free Petrol

New Delhi, September 1: The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the Centre’s E20 petrol policy, which mandates blending of 20% ethanol with petrol by 2025/26.

A bench led by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran struck down the plea after the Centre opposed it, stressing that the policy was framed after “considering all relevant aspects.”

During the hearing, senior advocate Shadan Farasat, representing the petitioner, cited a 2021 NITI Aayog report highlighting concerns about reduced fuel efficiency and potential engine damage in vehicles manufactured before 2023. He argued that while the petitioner was not opposing E20 as a policy, there should at least be an option for ethanol-free petrol (E10) for older vehicles.

However, Attorney General R. Venkataramani, appearing for the government, strongly opposed the plea, calling the petitioner a “name-holder for a huge lobby with vested interests.” He underlined that the E20 initiative would benefit sugarcane farmers, reduce crude oil imports, and save foreign exchange.

“Will people outside the country dictate what kind of fuel India should use?” the Attorney General questioned, defending the government’s stance.

Despite concerns raised by car owners and auto experts regarding fuel efficiency, engine performance, and long-term maintenance issues, the apex court refused to entertain the plea.

The dismissal marks a major step forward for the government’s biofuel roadmap, reinforcing India’s commitment to cleaner energy alternatives while balancing economic and environmental priorities.