Police in Nagpur detained several Youth Congress and NSUI workers on March 18, 2026, during a protest against the E-20 ethanol-blended petrol policy [1].
The demonstration targeted the rollout of the fuel blend, which critics argue causes mechanical damage to vehicles and serves specific corporate interests rather than the public. Because the policy is a central government initiative, protesters targeted the home of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.
Activists attempted to gherao, or surround, the minister's residence in Maharashtra to voice their opposition to the fuel's imposition [1]. Reports on the number of people taken into custody vary by source, ranging from six [4] to as many as 12 [2]. Other reports placed the number at eight [3] or 10 [2].
"We condemn the imposition of E‑20 and will keep fighting against it," said Youth Congress leader Mehul Adwani.
The protesters alleged that the ethanol blend has damaged their vehicles and that the policy benefits vested interests [2]. The group sought to draw attention to the technical, and economic, impact of the transition to E-20 fuel on everyday motorists.
Law enforcement intervened to stop the march before the activists could reach the residence. "The protest was unlawful and we had to intervene to maintain law and order," said a police spokesperson [2].
The incident occurred as part of a broader push by the Indian government to increase ethanol blending in gasoline to reduce oil imports and lower carbon emissions. However, the Youth Congress maintains that the current implementation is flawed and harmful to vehicle longevity [2].
“"We condemn the imposition of E‑20 and will keep fighting against it."”
The clash in Nagpur highlights the friction between India's aggressive green energy transition and the practical concerns of vehicle owners. While E-20 blending is designed to reduce dependence on foreign oil, the protests suggest a gap in public communication regarding vehicle compatibility and the potential for long-term mechanical degradation in older engine models.
