Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Petroleum Dealers Association on Monday urged the Centre to review the nationwide rollout of E20 petrol, citing concerns over vehicle compatibility and rising customer complaints related to engine performance and mileage.
Association president Sasanka Sekhar Sahu said the 20 percent ethanol-blended fuel is not fully compatible with several vehicles currently in use in the country, particularly BS6 models, which were not originally designed for such a high ethanol content. He claimed this has led to issues such as clogged carburettors and other mechanical problems in some vehicles.
Sahu said petrol pump owners are bearing the brunt of public anger despite having no role in the formulation or introduction of the fuel. He stated that customers often approach fuel stations with complaints and, in some cases, create disturbances, even though dealers only dispense fuel supplied by oil companies.
“The government introduced the fuel, and we only sell it. These issues have surfaced after the introduction of E20 petrol,” Sahu said, adding that dealers are facing operational difficulties following its rollout.
Meanwhile, Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das supported the demand raised by fuel dealers and urged the Centre to reconsider the policy. He said consumers across the country have reported reduced mileage and engine-related issues after the introduction of E20 petrol.
Das said citizens should not be made to bear the burden of what he described as an “untested policy” and called for a reassessment of its nationwide implementation.
