PANAJI: Goa is among the worst affected states due to the Centre’s E20 petrol policy, claimed Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, alleging that a majority of households in the state are facing the impact of reduced mileage and vehicle damage.
Addressing a press conference in Goa on Friday, Kejriwal said the state’s high vehicle ownership makes its residents particularly vulnerable to the effects of higher ethanol blending.
“Nationally, around 7% of households own cars, but in Goa nearly 45% of families own cars. Around 86% of people own two-wheelers. This means nearly 85% to 90% of families in Goa are directly affected by this decision,” he said.
Kejriwal alleged that the implementation of E20 petrol has led to a 25% to 30% drop in mileage and is damaging vehicle components.
“The Modi government has forcibly implemented E20 across the country. People are extremely distressed. Mileage in two-wheelers, cars, SUVs and other vehicles has dropped drastically. Engines are failing, fuel systems are getting damaged, and rusting is taking place,” he claimed.
He alleged that the policy was introduced without adequate preparation of petrol pumps, fuel transportation systems and vehicles.
“Countries that implemented E20 gave themselves 10, 15 or 20 years. Brazil took nearly 50 years to move from E5 to E20. India decided to implement E20 within three years, which cannot be done,” Kejriwal said.
Questioning vehicle compatibility, Kejriwal claimed that around 30 crore vehicles manufactured before 2023 were not designed for E20 fuel.
“Vehicles manufactured after 2023 are E20 compliant, but around 30 crore vehicles before that, including 22 crore two-wheelers and 8 crore cars, are not compatible. They can only handle E10,” he said.
Kejriwal also questioned the government’s plans to increase ethanol blending further, saying, “They are talking about E25, E30 and E40. They did not even properly test E20. If tests were conducted, show the reports.”
Urging people to avoid buying petrol and diesel vehicles until clarity emerges on the policy roadmap, Kejriwal said, “If you buy an E20 vehicle today and E40 is introduced tomorrow, your vehicle will suffer. People can consider electric vehicles instead.”
He also referred to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), claiming that vehicle manufacturers had raised concerns over E20.
“SIAM submitted a report stating that E20 was causing problems for vehicles due to moisture and chloride content. There cannot be a bigger study than manufacturers themselves raising concerns,” he claimed.
AAP MLA Captain Venzy Viegas said commercial vehicle operators in Goa would be among those affected.
“Goa has thousands of rickshaw drivers, motorcycle pilots and taxi operators who depend on their vehicles for livelihood. E20 will increase the burden on families and create a major crisis,” he said.
