E20 Petrol Controversy: Arvind Kejriwal Writes to PM Narendra Modi Demanding Relief for Owners of Non-Compliant Vehicles
NEW DELHI, July 14, 2026 — In a major political and civic development, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has written a formal letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting widespread public distress regarding the mandatory imposition of E20 petrol. In his communication dated July 13, 2026, Kejriwal raised alarms over the severe impact of E20 fuel on nearly 30 crore pre-2023 registered two-wheelers and four-wheelers across India that are not mechanically compliant with 20% ethanol-blended petrol. He noted that vehicle owner manuals explicitly advise against using fuel with higher ethanol concentrations than standard pure petrol or E10 variants. Left with no alternative at fuel stations, citizens are suffering significant drops in mileage alongside accelerated engine wear-and-tear and critical component damage, an issue Kejriwal claims to have personally witnessed during visits to petrol pumps and service centers.
The former Chief Minister sharply criticized the central government’s response to public outcries, alleging that ministers are dismissing genuine public distress by labeling peaceful protesters as “anti-nationals,” “unemployed social activists,” and “lobbyists.” Stating that there is no logical, scientific, or economic justification for enforcing E20 exclusively, Kejriwal urged the Prime Minister to immediately implement a two-pronged solution: restore consumer freedom by offering a choice between pure petrol and E20 at all fuel stations, and reduce E20 pricing to accurately reflect its lower calorific value and compromised mileage. Concluding his letter, the AAP leader requested an urgent personal meeting with Prime Minister Modi to brief him comprehensively on the escalating crisis.