PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday said the government would verify any complaints regarding E20 petrol and order testing of the fuel if consumers raise concerns about its quality or its impact on vehicles.
Sawant, who also holds the Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs portfolio, insisted that the department had received no complaints from consumers so far.
“There are no complaints so far; however, if there are any, I will direct the Civil Supplies Department to verify it. We will monitor the situation and take appropriate action... we will get (the fuel) tested,” he told the Assembly while replying to a calling attention motion moved by MLAs Venzy Viegas, Vijai Sardesai and Cruz Silva over concerns among vehicle owners about the use of E20 petrol, particularly in older vehicles.
The CM further added that E20 petrol -- introduced in Goa in 2025 -- is currently supplied through 157 retail outlets operated by three oil marketing companies.
“The Civil Supplies Department has not received any representation from consumers, automobile associations, transport operators or garages on the issue. The laboratory studies and field trials by agencies including the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), Indian Oil Corporation and automobile manufacturers found E20 safe under prescribed standards. It said legacy vehicles had not shown significant performance variation or abnormal wear and tear due to E20,” he added.
However, Sardesai demanded that consumers be given a choice between E10 and E20 petrol, saying common people were facing difficulties due to mandatory use of E20. “E10 and E20 petrol should be offered as a choice to consumers. We must pass a resolution in this regard, as common people are facing difficulties due to the mandatory use of E20 petrol,” he said.
MLA Viresh Borkar said E20 should not be made mandatory without first assessing its impact. “The government should first assess its impact and conduct thorough testing before implementing it,” Borkar said.
Supporting the discussion, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao termed E20 fuel unsafe for older vehicles and said its use had resulted in reduced mileage. “There has to be a choice for owners of vehicles purchased before the introduction of E20. It is not in the interest of the State or the country,” he said.
