Ananya Lohia , New Delhi - The nationwide rollout of E20 fuel—petrol blended with 20 per cent ethanol—has triggered a fresh debate over its pricing, vehicle compatibility and consumer choice. While the Centre has defended the move as a step towards energy security, concerns have been raised by experts and political leaders.

Former Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) Chairman and Managing Director M.K. Surana said ethanol is currently more expensive than petrol for oil marketing companies, making E20 fuel costlier to produce. However, he noted that ethanol blending helps reduce India's dependence on imported crude oil and provides greater price stability during periods of volatile global oil prices.

Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal criticised the rollout, citing widespread public concern over the use of E20 fuel in vehicles that are not compatible with the blend. He demanded that petrol pumps offer both pure petrol and E20 fuel, allowing consumers to choose, and also called for a reduction in the price of ethanol-blended fuel.

As the adoption of E20 fuel gathers pace, the debate over its pricing, vehicle compatibility and long-term benefits continues, with consumers and policymakers closely watching the impact of the transition.