Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Akhilesh Yadav challenges Centre over E20 petrol concerns
E20 petrol is made with 20 percent ethanol and 80 percent petrol.
The government introduced it to reduce pollution and reliance on imported crude oil.
Akhilesh Yadav says some vehicle owners are experiencing problems after using it.
He is especially concerned about older two-wheelers.
Yadav wants E10 petrol to be available again for these vehicles.
He also referred to reported comments from the chief economic adviser supporting E10 for older vehicles.
The government’s position, as described by Yadav, is that there is no problem with E20.
The disagreement is about whether E20 is safe for all vehicles and whether people should have another fuel option.
Akhilesh Yadav criticized the Centre over concerns surrounding E20 petrol.
Yadav cited reported remarks by Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran backing E10 petrol for older vehicles.
He said motorists reporting E20-related vehicle problems were being forced to seek assistance.
Yadav called E20 a double burden because of petrol prices and potentially higher maintenance costs.
E20 became the only petrol variant available at fuel pumps across India from April 2026, according to the report.
- Who
- Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, the Centre, and Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran are central to the report.
- What
- Yadav criticized the government’s E20 petrol policy and called for E10 petrol to be sold again for older two-wheelers.
- When
- The report is dated August 19; it says E20 became the only petrol variant available at fuel pumps from April 2026.
- Where
- The policy and its effects concern fuel pumps and motorists across India; Yadav made his remarks in a post on X.
- Why
- Yadav said some motorists were reporting vehicle problems and facing higher maintenance costs after using E20.
Concerns and call for E10
Government-backed E20 rollout
Effect on vehicles
Concerns and call for E10
Akhilesh Yadav said E20 was damaging vehicles and cited motorists’ reports of reduced performance and possible component problems.
Government-backed E20 rollout
The government’s position, as described by Yadav, is that there is no issue with E20 petrol.
Fuel choice for older vehicles
Concerns and call for E10
Yadav argued that E10 should again be available for older two-wheelers, which may not have been designed for high ethanol blends.
Government-backed E20 rollout
E20 became the only petrol variant available at fuel pumps nationwide from April 2026, according to the report.
Policy benefits versus costs
Concerns and call for E10
Yadav called E20 a double-edged sword that could create a double burden through expensive petrol and higher vehicle maintenance costs.
Government-backed E20 rollout
The Centre introduced E20 to reduce vehicular emissions and cut dependence on crude oil imports.
- E20 composition
- 20 percent ethanol and 80 percent petrol.
- E10 request
- Akhilesh Yadav called for E10 petrol to return for older two-wheelers.
- Government rationale
- The Centre introduced E20 to reduce vehicular emissions and dependence on crude oil imports.
- Nationwide availability
- E20 became the only petrol variant available at fuel pumps across the country from April 2026, according to the report.
- Reported concerns
- Some motorists have reported reduced engine performance and possible damage to fuel lines and other components.
- Political question
- Yadav asked whether motorists should follow the government’s position or the reported advice attributed to the chief economic adviser.