HighLights
  1. Arvind Kejriwal claimed government plans ethanol blending in ATF.
  2. Union Aviation Minister dismissed allegations as false and irresponsible.
  3. BJP stated no decision taken beyond E20 blending.

E20 Fuel Row: The political row over the Union government's push for 20 per cent ethanol-blended fuel intensified on Thursday as Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener Arvind Kejriwal alleged a similar plan for aviation turbine fuel (ATF). Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu dismissed the allegation as 'false and irresponsible'.

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Kejriwal Claims Centre Plans Ethanol Blending In ATF And Diesel

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Kejriwal said that sources indicate the Narendra Modi-led government "plans to mix ethanol in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF)," warning that "experts say that this could seriously compromise the safety of flights."

The former Delhi Chief Minister further said that the Centre "is going to adulterate petrol with more than 50%," adding that "they're just waiting right now for the atmosphere to calm down."

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"First, they forced E20 petrol into your E0 and E10 vehicles and wrecked them. Today, if you buy a new E20 vehicle, the government will force E50 petrol into it after a few days and wreck it," he said.

He further claimed that the government is "soon going to blend ethanol into diesel," and advised the public to "avoid buying new petrol and diesel vehicles for a few years."

BJP Rejects Kejriwal's Claims, He Hits Back

Taking note of the allegations, BJP's IT department head Amit Malviya said spreading "fake news" and creating undue "panic" was the AAP leader's "old habit," adding that no decision has been taken to increase ethanol blending in petrol beyond E20.

In a post on X, Malviya stated that if such a proposal arises in the future, "it will only happen after extensive scientific studies, technical testing, and consultations with vehicle manufacturers, oil marketing companies, and other stakeholders." He urged the public to "trust science and evidence, not rumours."

Kejriwal, however, hit back, stating, "I'm glad you've acknowledged that the decision hasn't been taken 'yet'."

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Aviation Minister Dismisses Claims

Dismissing the allegation as "false and irresponsible," the Civil Aviation Minister said, "Ethanol and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) are entirely different and should not be conflated. SAF is an internationally certified aviation fuel recognised by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and adopted globally. It undergoes rigorous testing and meets stringent global safety standards."

He added that "spreading misinformation on aviation safety only creates needless anxiety among air travellers. Passenger safety remains the Government's highest priority."

(With Inputs From Agencies)


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