Delhi-based taxi and transport operators are gearing up for a protest march to Parliament on August 4. The demonstration aims to demand an immediate withdrawal of the government's mandatory E20 ethanol-blended petrol policy, which they claim is causing significant damage to vehicles and offering no alternative fuel options.
Spearheaded by the Delhi Taxi and Tourist Transporters and Tour Operators Association, alongside other transport bodies, the protest highlights growing national discontent with the E20 fuel. E20 petrol, a blend of 20% ethanol and 80% gasoline, has been met with criticism over reports of reduced mileage, accelerated engine wear, and concerns over consumer choice.
Operators Demand Choice, Cite Vehicle Damage
Sanjay Samrat, president of the Delhi Taxi and Tourist Transporters and Tour Operators Association, emphasized the urgency of their action. "We are planning to hold a protest march to Parliament on August 4 against ethanol-blended petrol, demanding its withdrawal. We want to give a wake-up call to the Members of Parliament, as problems in vehicles from ethanol blending are being reported from across the country," Samrat stated.
The transport groups clarified that their movement is independent of recently formed online campaigns like the 'E-20 Janata Party'. "We do not want to make this a political issue, and are not associated with any 'E-20 Janata Party' or any other political party," Samrat added, distancing the organized protest from digital activism.
Industry leaders echoed concerns about the lack of consumer choice and the physical toll on vehicle fleets. Harish Sabharwal, national president of the All India Motor Transport Congress, affirmed, "We have said that ethanol-blended petrol should not be forced upon commuters; there should be a choice. Currently, no option is being given." He confirmed support for the march but clarified that a widespread work stoppage is not planned.
Rajender Kapoor, president of the All India Motor & Goods Transport Association, further highlighted the operational challenges. "This is a major issue; this is damaging vehicles. We hope the government makes E20 blended petrol a choice for commuters," Kapoor remarked, pointing to the economic impact on transport businesses.
Government Defends E20 Policy
Despite mounting resistance, the government continues to defend its E20 blending initiative. Officials maintain that the blended fuel is a safe and clean alternative that supports domestic farmers. They have also ruled out any immediate plans to push ethanol levels beyond the current 20% threshold, even as calls for a rollback intensify.
The August 4 march is set to be a significant moment for transport operators, aiming to bring their grievances directly to lawmakers and push for policy reconsideration.