Arvind Kejriwal Announces August 4 Protest Over E20 Fuel Policy

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday announced that he will lead a march to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence on August 4 to submit a citizens' petition demanding greater consumer choice in the Centre's E20 fuel policy. Addressing the National Townhall Against E20 in New Delhi, Kejriwal said the protest would seek the option for consumers to choose between pure petrol and E20 fuel at petrol pumps. He claimed that more than two lakh people had signed the online petition, which he intends to present to the Prime Minister.

Kejriwal said the march would begin at 12 noon on August 4, with a group of around 100 volunteers accompanying him. Inviting supporters to participate, he said only those willing to face possible police action should join the protest. Referring to previous demonstrations, he expressed hope that the group would be allowed to march as far as earlier protestors had been permitted. He added that the campaign reflects growing public concern over the implementation of the E20 fuel policy.

Speaking at the event, Kejriwal claimed that the venue was filled to capacity and that the programme was also being watched by a large online audience. He alleged that the Union government was closely monitoring the townhall and criticised ministers for dismissing concerns raised over E20 fuel. According to Kejriwal, those questioning the policy have been unfairly labelled as anti-national, despite what he described as evidence and testimonies highlighting public apprehensions about the fuel blend.

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The former Delhi Chief Minister outlined three key demands of the campaign. He said consumers should have the freedom to choose between E20 fuel and pure petrol at fuel stations. He also argued that E20 fuel should be priced lower than conventional petrol because of its ethanol content. Additionally, Kejriwal called for a reduction in petrol prices, stating that retail fuel prices should fall below Rs 84 per litre in light of declining global crude oil prices.

The Centre has promoted E20 fuel, a blend containing 20 per cent ethanol and 80 per cent petrol, as part of its strategy to reduce dependence on imported crude oil, lower emissions and support domestic ethanol production. While the government maintains that the transition is environmentally and economically beneficial, Kejriwal's latest campaign seeks greater consumer choice and pricing reforms, setting the stage for a political confrontation over the fuel policy in the coming days.

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