Rahul Gandhi E20 Petrol Attack – Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, launched a sharp attack against the central government over its nation-wide implementation of E20 (20% ethanol-blended) petrol. In a video shared across his social media handles, Gandhi stood beside a vehicle with its fuel tank open, asserting that the government’s ethanol-blending policy is ruining vehicles, inflating consumer fuel costs, and concealing a “major corruption scandal.”
Rahul Gandhi E20 Petrol Attack – Allegations of Reduced Vehicle Engine Life and Decreased Mileage
In the video, Rahul Gandhi alleged that the mandatory transition to E20 fuel has severely impacted motorists and daily commuters across the country. He argued that the high concentration of ethanol reduces fuel efficiency and accelerates engine wear and tear, especially in older cars and two-wheelers. Rejecting the standard idiom “daal mein kuch kaala hai” (something is fishy), Gandhi declared that in the case of the E20 implementation, “puri daal hi kaali hai” (the entire affair is corrupt).
Rahul Gandhi E20 Petrol Attack – Congress Alleges Financial Burden on Consumers and Ethanol Benefits
Supporting Gandhi’s stance, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh cited independent studies estimating that Indian motorists collectively spent over ₹88,000 crore in additional fuel costs between 2023 and 2026 to compensate for reduced mileage. The party claimed that while consumers received no price relief or tax incentives despite official promises of cheaper fuel options, ethanol producers and sugar distilleries reaped massive financial windfalls.
Rahul Gandhi E20 Petrol Attack – BJP Dismisses Claims as Political Misinformation; Campaign Promised
In response, ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders dismissed Gandhi’s allegations, accusing him of spreading misinformation to undermine national biofuel initiatives and green energy transitions. Unfazed by the ruling party’s rebuttal, Rahul Gandhi announced that the Congress party will elevate the E20 fuel issue into a major nationwide campaign to demand policy revisions, consumer choice, and financial compensation for vehicle owners.