Supreme Court Upholds Ethanol Blending Policy, Dismisses PIL for Ethanol-Free Petrol

The Supreme Court dismissed a PIL challenging the Union Government's Ethanol Blending Programme mandating petrol blended with 20% ethanol (E20).

The petitioner sought ethanol-free petrol options for vehicles manufactured before 2023, citing concerns over engine damage, reduced fuel efficiency, and insurance claim denials.

Senior Advocate Shadan Farasat highlighted NITI Aayog’s report on compatibility issues, while Attorney General R Venkataramani defended the policy, emphasizing benefits to sugarcane farmers and dismissing the petitioner as a front for vested interests.

The Court upheld the policy, leaving no mandate for ethanol-free fuel availability or additional consumer labelling.

[Akshay Malhotra v Union of India]