Kejriwal claims Centre to introduce E30, E40 after E20 row

AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal has alleged that the central government plans to introduce E30 and then E40 ethanol-blended petrol once public opposition to E20 subsides. Speaking at a town hall in Goa, Kejriwal claimed the government is watching public mood and will push higher blends after the current debate cools down. He advised people against buying vehicles now, saying E20-compliant cars could face problems if E30 or E40 is forced into them.

Kejriwal linked the ethanol blending push to sugar prices, alleging that 25 lakh tonnes of sugar has been diverted for ethanol production, causing shortages and price rise from Rs 45 to Rs 75 per kg. He claimed India, which exported sugar until last year, has now started importing it. He also alleged that the government was conducting trials for E30 and would eventually import ethanol to meet blending targets, acting under pressure from US President Donald Trump.

The former Delhi chief minister said the government had compressed a 15-20 year transition into three years, requiring changes to petrol pump storage tanks, vehicle engines and fuel injectors. He also claimed that a large number of vehicles cannot use E20, and that the government plans to introduce ethanol blending in diesel as well.