Transport unions in Delhi have announced a protest march to Parliament on August 4 to demand the withdrawal of ethanol-blended petrol (E20 fuel) from the market. The protest, organized by the All India Motor Transport Congress, comes in response to the government's mandate making E20 the only fuel option for consumers.
Harish Sabharwal, national president of the transport congress, said the protest targets the government's policy of enforcing E20 fuel without providing alternatives. Transport bodies are raising concerns that the fuel blend, which contains 20% ethanol, could cause vehicle problems and reduce mileage. They argue that consumers should have the freedom to choose conventional petrol.
The government, however, defends the E20 program as safe and environmentally beneficial, citing reduced emissions and support for the ethanol industry. Despite these assurances, transport groups claim that the fuel is not suitable for many existing vehicles and could lead to higher maintenance costs.
The march is expected to draw thousands of participants from various transport associations in the Delhi region. They plan to gather and proceed to Parliament, where they will submit a memorandum to lawmakers. The protest aims to highlight what they see as a hasty implementation of the fuel policy without adequate public consultation or technical readiness.