Kejriwal writes to 29 automakers, seeks assurance on E20 fuel impact, customer compensation

Upping the ante against the Centre over its E20 fuel mandate, AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday (July 8) wrote to 29 automobile manufacturers, seeking clarity on whether the blended fuel could reduce mileage or damage vehicles manufactured before 2023. He also asked whether the companies would compensate customers if such issues arose.

Letters to automakers

The move comes days after Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari challenged critics to identify even a single vehicle that had been damaged due to E20 fuel, asserting that no such incidents had been reported in the country.

"Today, I have written letters to 29 auto manufacturers in the country. The first letter has been written to three companies—Maruti Suzuki India, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, and Hero MotoCorp. The second letter has been written to the remaining 26 companies," Kejriwal stated in a post on X.

On compensation to vehicle owners

In the first letter, addressed to Maruti Suzuki India Limited, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, and Hero MotoCorp, Kejriwal referred to their recent statements that E20 fuel would not affect vehicle mileage.

Also Read: Show me one vehicle damaged by E20 petrol: Nitin Gadkari challenges critics

He sought a written assurance that if customers experience a reduction in mileage or any damage to their vehicles due to the use of E20 fuel, the manufacturers would compensate them.

The second letter, sent to 26 other automobile companies, seeks their response on the use of E20 fuel, its possible impact on vehicle mileage and performance, and their views on concerns raised by consumers.

Mechanics, consumers next

Kejriwal also said he would visit petrol pumps and meet automobile mechanics on Thursday (July 9) to understand their views on E20 fuel and discuss its impact on vehicles. He added that he would interact with consumers to learn about their experiences and concerns.

Also Read: Are automakers misleading E20 consumers? | AI With Sanket

Speaking to reporters later in the day, Kejriwal said, "Today, I have written to 29 auto manufacturing companies. I sent separate letters to three companies—Maruti, Toyota, and Hero—which had stated in a government press conference that E20 fuel will not cause any problem in older vehicles. I pointed out that these three companies specify in their owner's manuals that older vehicles should not use fuel with an ethanol content higher than E10."

He said he had asked the companies two specific questions. "If the use of E20 results in a mileage drop of more than five per cent or causes damage to any component, will compensation be provided? They should inform the public whether E20 can be used in automobiles made by them before 2023. If yes, then in case of mileage issues or damage to any component, will the company compensate for the loss?" he said, as quoted by ANI.

(With agency inputs)