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The latest comments come just days after major automakers and industry experts publicly defended E20 petrol amid growing concerns raised on social media
The ongoing debate surrounding E20 petrol has taken another turn, with the Petroleum Dealers Association (PDA) in Odisha urging the government to reconsider the rollout of E20 fuel. The remarks come at a time when several experts from leading automotive brands, have reiterated that their E20-compatible vehicles have been extensively tested and are safe to operate with the higher ethanol blend.
Dealers say customers are blaming petrol pumps
Speaking to ANI, Petroleum Dealers Association President Sasanka Sekhar Sahu said petrol pump operators are facing increasing difficulties as customers blame fuel stations for vehicle-related issues that they believe are linked to E20 petrol. He said that dealers have no control over the government’s fuel policy but are bearing the consequences of customer dissatisfaction.
Petroleum Dealers Seek E20 Rollback
“We are urging the government to reconsider the introduction of E20 fuel. Dealers are facing significant difficulties with the current E20 rollout,” he said. He further claimed that while ethanol blending is capped at around 10% in many countries, India has adopted a 20% blend. According to him, many vehicles currently on Indian roads were not originally designed for E20 fuel, leading to complaints from customers.
Sahu alleged that issues such as clogged carburettors and other mechanical failures have surfaced following the introduction of E20 petrol, resulting in customers confronting fuel station operators. “The government introduced the fuel, and we simply sell it,” he said.
#WATCH | Bhubaneswar, Odisha | Petroleum Dealers Association President Sasanka Sekhar Sahu says, “We are urging the government to reconsider the introduction of E20 fuel… Dealers are facing significant difficulties with the current E20 rollout. While the blend is capped at 10%… pic.twitter.com/uCynBzcap7
— ANI (@ANI) July 6, 2026
Contrasts with recent statements from automakers and industry experts
The association’s remarks contrast with a series of statements issued by vehicle manufacturers and industry experts over the past week, all defending the nationwide rollout of E20 petrol. Several manufacturers have also publicly stated that their E20-compatible petrol vehicles have undergone extensive testing and are fully ready for the transition.
The latest remarks from the Odisha Petroleum Dealers Association show that the debate surrounding E20 fuel is far from over. While vehicle manufacturers and industry experts continue to maintain that properly maintained vehicles can safely operate on E20 petrol, petroleum dealers say they are increasingly facing customer complaints and are urging the government to review the current rollout.