CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Vidhan Sabha has passed a comprehensive resolution urging the Union Government to immediately suspend the compulsory nationwide rollout of E-20 (20% ethanol-blended) petrol. The state assembly expressed serious concern that mandating E-20 fuel threatens consumer interests, damages vehicle engines, and places a massive financial burden on common citizens, motorists, and farmers.
The resolution, moved during the monsoon session by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, questioned why the Centre advanced the mandatory implementation timeline. The policy was originally targeted for full integration by 2030, but the Central Government accelerated its mandatory rollout. Cheema argued that a vast majority of vehicles currently operating in Punjab are not mechanically certified or technically equipped to run on high ethanol content. This incompatibility is already impacting vehicle mileage, accelerating wear and tear of fuel system components, and inflating maintenance costs for vehicle owners.
Participating in the debate, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann emphasized that E-20 fuel was “imposed” across the nation without comprehensive expert consultation or scientific evaluation. Chief Minister Mann firmly demanded that the Centre give consumers an open choice at fuel stations between buying ethanol-blended E-20 fuel or pure, unblended petrol. Furthermore, the state government stated that if E-20 fuel offers lower mileage, its retail price should be scaled down proportionally so that motorists do not pay the same amount for inefficient fuel.
The adopted resolution will now be forwarded to the Central Government. The step coincides with a broader nationwide campaign, including public town halls and signature drives, advocating for consumer rights and technical safeguards prior to any mandatory alternative fuel rollouts.
