New Delhi, 1 September 2025: The Supreme Court on Monday rejected a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the nationwide rollout of 20 per cent ethanol-blended petrol (E20), dismissing claims that millions of motorists were being compelled to use fuel incompatible with their vehicles.
A Bench of Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran declined to entertain the plea filed by advocate Akshay Malhotra, who had sought directions to ensure the continued availability of ethanol-free petrol at all fuel stations.
The petition argued that cars and two-wheelers manufactured before 2023, and even some BS-VI models, are not designed for higher ethanol blends, leading to mechanical degradation and efficiency loss. It also urged authorities to conduct a nationwide impact study and mandate clear labelling of ethanol content at pumps.
The Centre opposed the plea, maintaining that the E20 programme was in the larger public interest and especially beneficial to sugarcane farmers. It said ethanol blending would cut India’s crude oil import bill and boost domestic agricultural incomes.
The court, however, found no merit in the arguments and allowed the rollout to continue.
