Priyank Kharge demands E20 rollback (ANI images) Congress leader Priyank Kharge on Wednesday targeted the Union road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari in his X post over the rollout of E20 (20% ethanol-blended petrol).He alleged that the government has admitted before the Supreme Court that ethanol blending is still an “experiment” despite millions of motorists already using the fuel.In a post on X, Kharge contrasted Nitin Gadkari’s recent defence of E20 with the Centre’s submission before the apex court.”A few days back, Shri Nitin Gadkari openly challenged saying, ‘Show me one vehicle anywhere in the world which had problems because of E20 petrol.’ Today, the Central Government told the Supreme Court that ‘Ethanol mixing is an experiment—results will come by next year,'” Kharge wrote. ‘An experiment on 3.6 crore Indians’Calling the policy “an experiment on 3.6 crore Indians,” Kharge alleged that vehicle mileage is declining, engines are suffering damage and repair costs are increasing for ordinary families.Kharge also asserted that nine out of ten vehicles in India are not compatible with E20 fuel, affecting an estimated 3.6 crore vehicles.Demands rollback of E20 policyKharge accused the government of implementing the policy without public consultation or consensus while continuing to collect data on its impact.”You cannot call a national fuel shift an ‘experiment’ after forcing it down our tanks. You cannot challenge citizens to prove damage when your own data is still pending,” he said.Arguing that “common people are not guinea pigs” and “our roads are not test tracks,” Kharge urged the Centre to roll back the E20 policy until its safety and effectiveness are conclusively established.The government on June 30 told the Supreme Court that India’s 20 per cent ethanol blending programme in petrol is still an ongoing experiment and that the impact of the policy is expected to become clearer by next year.The submission came during a hearing on a plea filed by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), which challenged a Karnataka high court order relating to ethanol allocation for the 2025-26 Ethanol Supply Year.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDhaka Threatens Action Against Media Airing Sheikh Hasina’s Statements After Return ClaimSpecialised ‘Baaz Battalions’ to Strengthen Border Monitoring, ISR and Battlefield Awareness’Break Silos, Self-Reliance’: PM Modi Holds High-Level Meet With Union SecretariesMumbai Horror: School Bus Crushed By Falling Tree In Mumbai; One Child Dead, Five Injured’Kashmir Is Not Part Of Pakistan’: PoJK Protesters Warn IslamabadAfter Converting To Islam For Love, UP’s Ayush Malik Returns To Hinduism | Watch’This Is Bigger Than Dharmendra Pradhan’: Students Demand Reforms Not ‘Political Damage Control’Another Blow To Uddhav Thackeray: Prominent Mumbai Leader Sachin Ahir Switches Sides | WatchRs 65 Lakh House, SUV, Farmhouse: Ram Temple Donation Theft Accused’s Assets Under ScannerUPI Rolls Out in Greece; ‘Enables Instant Low-Cost Cross-Border Payments,’ Says Piyush Goyal123PhotostoriesJuly gardening guide: 7 flowers, fruits, and vegetables to plant in the UKThis Amritsari-style Eggless Potato Mayonnaise by Chef Vikas Khanna is a treat for vegetariansWhy some people leave your texts unread for hours? Psychology says it may not be about ‘rejection’ after allFrom 124-Year-Old Plum Cakes to Legendary Biscuits: 5 of India’s oldest bakeries every food lover needs to try60-second money lesson: What your UPI history reveals about your spending habits9 actors who learned real skills for roles: Cillian Murphy, Kate Winslet, Jenna Ortega and more5 bipedal animals that move on two legs in the most unexpected waysObesity in UK: British Heart Foundation estimates 170,000 deaths in England from obesity-linked heart disease by 2035Bollywood’s biggest shocks in the first half of 2026: From Asha Bhosle’s demise and Aamir Khan’s wedding to Ranveer Singh’s Don 3 controversyPsychology says people who prefer vintage and thrift shopping despite having money may be seeking individuality, not bargains123Hot PicksLPG gas priceCBSE best marks ruleCBSE Class 12 supplementary exam 202Ram Temple donation theftMumbai RainsNew visa ruleZohran MamdaniYousuf ImranAP EAPCET Result 2026Top TrendingBest Sprites in fortnite chapter 7Roul JimenezSonam RaghuvanshiFIFA World Cup 2026Monaco BlastBengaluru TechieAnukalp MishraSergei IvanovMK StalinJosh Hokit
Congress leader Priyank Kharge on Wednesday targeted the Union road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari in his X post over the rollout of E20 (20% ethanol-blended petrol).He alleged that the government has admitted before the Supreme Court that ethanol blending is still an “experiment” despite millions of motorists already using the fuel.In a post on X, Kharge contrasted Nitin Gadkari’s recent defence of E20 with the Centre’s submission before the apex court.“A few days back, Shri Nitin Gadkari openly challenged saying, ‘Show me one vehicle anywhere in the world which had problems because of E20 petrol.‘ Today, the Central Government told the Supreme Court that ‘Ethanol mixing is an experiment—results will come by next year,‘” Kharge wrote.
‘An experiment on 3.6 crore Indians’
Calling the policy “an experiment on 3.6 crore Indians,” Kharge alleged that vehicle mileage is declining, engines are suffering damage and repair costs are increasing for ordinary families.Kharge also asserted that nine out of ten vehicles in India are not compatible with E20 fuel, affecting an estimated 3.6 crore vehicles.
Demands rollback of E20 policy
Kharge accused the government of implementing the policy without public consultation or consensus while continuing to collect data on its impact.“You cannot call a national fuel shift an ‘experiment’ after forcing it down our tanks. You cannot challenge citizens to prove damage when your own data is still pending,” he said.Arguing that “common people are not guinea pigs” and “our roads are not test tracks,” Kharge urged the Centre to roll back the E20 policy until its safety and effectiveness are conclusively established.The government on June 30 told the Supreme Court that India’s 20 per cent ethanol blending programme in petrol is still an ongoing experiment and that the impact of the policy is expected to become clearer by next year.The submission came during a hearing on a plea filed by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), which challenged a Karnataka high court order relating to ethanol allocation for the 2025-26 Ethanol Supply Year.
