The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the government&rsquo;s rollout of 20 percent Ethanol Blended Petrol (E20) without providing consumers the option to choose ethanol-free fuel.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran passed the order after the Central government opposed the petition, arguing that E20 fuel primarily benefits sugarcane farmers. The government also questioned the petitioner&rsquo;s credentials.
&ldquo;Dismissed,&rdquo; the Court said, rejecting the plea.
The petition had been filed by advocate Akshay Malhotra.
According to the petitioner, vehicles manufactured in India before April 2023 are not compatible with the 20 percent ethanol blend. Even vehicles as recent as two years old, though BS-VI compliant, may face compatibility issues with E20 petrol. 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Supreme Court to hear plea challenging the E20 petrol policy of the Centre Plea urged petrol without ethanol should be an option for the consumer<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ethanol20?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ethanol20</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SupremeCourtofIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SupremeCourtofIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/gjed7cBm2J">pic.twitter.com/gjed7cBm2J</a>
&mdash; Bar and Bench (@barandbench) <a href="https://twitter.com/barandbench/status/1962368450606903468?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" async="" charset="utf-8"></script>

Senior Advocate Shadan Farasat, appearing for the petitioner, stressed that consumers must be given a choice to opt for non-E20 fuel.
&ldquo;We have to be given an option what we want. We are not against E20 but at least let the supply persons inform that it is so. Some vehicles are not compliant with the same. Only vehicles which have come post April 2023 can tolerate E20,&rdquo; he argued.
While acknowledging that E20 represents a logical step forward in fuel policy, Farasat noted that most vehicles currently on the road are not equipped to handle the higher ethanol content.
&ldquo;E20 is logical progression but cars need to be made compatible along with engine calibration. Non-availability of E10 petrol for existing customers is what we are challenging. We want options. We do not want E20 to go,&rdquo; he said.
On behalf of the government, Attorney General R Venkataramani remarked, &ldquo;This petitioner is an Englander (sic). Somebody from outside will dictate what petrol to use. Sugarcane farmers are benefitting from this. Now they will tell us don&rsquo;t.&rdquo;
The plea also highlighted concerns from automobile manufacturers and research reports that ethanol blending can cause engine corrosion, reduce fuel efficiency, and lead to premature wear and tear. The petitioner contended that any such damage would not be covered by insurance, leaving consumers without recourse.
&ldquo;As the vehicles are not compatible with ethanol blended petrol which will result in damage to the said vehicles, the claim raised in this regard will not be covered by the manufacturers or the insurance companies as the consumers have violated the terms specified,&rdquo; the petition stated.
The petitioner further noted that in countries like the United States, ethanol blends of 10 percent are standard, but ethanol-free petrol is still available. Similarly, the European Union allows blends of 5 and 10 percent, coexisting with clear labelling.
&ldquo;In India, without informing the consumers, only ethanol blended petrol is made available to the public without any labelling or display of composition of the fuel,&rdquo; the plea alleged.
The petitioner sought directives to ensure ethanol-free petrol is available at all fuel stations, enforce mandatory labelling of ethanol content, implement provisions under the Consumer Protection Act, and conduct a nationwide study on the impact of E20 on vehicle longevity.

Supreme Court Dismisses PIL Against E20 Petrol

Court rejects plea seeking ethanol-free fuel option, citing benefits to sugarcane farmers

Supreme Court Dismisses PIL Against E20 Petrol

Court rejects plea seeking ethanol-free fuel option, citing benefits to sugarcane farmers

September 1, 2025 | 14:54 IST