PANAJI
Stepping up its opposition to the rollout of E20 petrol, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Goa unit on Monday urged people across the State to join a national townhall against what it termed the "forced implementation" of ethanol-blended fuel, alleging that the fuel is causing vehicle damage and reduced mileage without any reduction in prices.
Addressing a press conference, AAP Goa State President Valmiki Naik announced that the National Townhall Against Forced E20 Petrol, launched by AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, will be held online on August 1 at 11.30 am from the Constitution Club in New Delhi. He appealed to Goans to participate by sending a WhatsApp message to 8588833212, through which they would receive the access link.
Naik claimed that AAP leaders had visited garages, mechanics and petrol pumps across Goa, where vehicle owners frequently complained of lower fuel efficiency and increasing engine-related problems after the introduction of E20 petrol. He alleged that the Centre had failed to address concerns over vehicle compatibility and had continued with the policy without offering consumers a choice.
He said the party had written to automobile manufacturers seeking written assurances that E20 fuel would not damage vehicles, while Arvind Kejriwal had also written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding a reduction in E20 fuel prices to offset lower mileage and higher maintenance costs. According to Naik, nearly two lakh people have already responded to AAP's StopE20Petrol campaign.
Vice President Manuel Cardoso claimed that many Goans were unaware that E20 petrol had already been introduced. Citing feedback from mechanics, he alleged that the fuel was contributing to problems involving carburettors, fuel systems and engine performance. He also criticised the BJP-led Centre, alleging that promises of cheaper ethanol-blended fuel had not materialised, with consumers instead paying over ₹100 per litre while receiving lower mileage.
The party appealed to citizens across Goa to participate in the townhall and share their experiences, saying the platform would help build nationwide pressure against the compulsory rollout of E20 petrol.
