'Stop Buying Petrol, Diesel Vehicles Until Govt Clarifies Stand on E20 Fuel': Arvind Kejriwal

New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday urged people to avoid purchasing petrol and diesel vehicles until the Central government clarifies its stand on E20 fuel and the future of India's fuel policy.

Addressing the media, Kejriwal expressed concern over the government's ethanol blending programme and alleged that consumers were being left uncertain about the long-term viability of conventional petrol and diesel vehicles.

He claimed that buyers deserve clear information before making significant investments in automobiles. According to Kejriwal, the Centre should issue a comprehensive clarification on the implementation of E20 fuel and its implications for existing and future vehicles.

The remarks come a day after Kejriwal alleged that the government was planning ethanol blending in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) and diesel, a claim that was firmly rejected by the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, which stated that no such proposal is under consideration.

The Centre has consistently maintained that its Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme aims to reduce dependence on imported crude oil, lower carbon emissions and support domestic farmers. The government has also encouraged automobile manufacturers to develop E20-compatible vehicles as part of India's transition towards cleaner fuels.

Automobile manufacturers have been gradually introducing E20-compatible models in line with government guidelines. Experts have advised consumers to check vehicle compatibility before using higher ethanol-blended fuel.

Kejriwal's latest remarks have added a political dimension to the debate over fuel policy, with the AAP demanding greater transparency while the Centre maintains that its ethanol blending roadmap has been announced in a phased and structured manner.

The issue is expected to remain a topic of discussion as India continues its push towards cleaner energy and greater use of biofuels in the transport sector.