Kejriwal urges cheaper oil imports, slams E20 fuel policy

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AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal has urged the Centre to buy cheaper oil and gas from Russia and Iran to ease rising fuel prices. Citing reports from Gujarat, he said farmers face severe diesel shortages, with long queues of tractors at petrol pumps. Kejriwal questioned why the government was not purchasing from these countries when they are willing to supply at lower rates.

Separately, Kejriwal alleged that the government’s E20 ethanol blending policy was pushed under US pressure. He claimed petrol stations lack adequate infrastructure and that nearly 30 crore vehicles manufactured before 2023, including 22 crore two-wheelers and eight crore cars, were not designed for E20 fuel. He also argued ethanol is more expensive than petrol and delivers lower mileage, and urged consumers to postpone buying new vehicles until the government provides clarity on future blending targets.