Arvind Kejriwal, the Aam Aadmi Party national convener, led a protest march toward Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence on Tuesday to oppose E20 ethanol-blended petrol.
The demonstration highlights growing political friction over India's fuel policies and allegations of foreign influence on domestic energy decisions. The move signals a direct challenge to the government's transition toward higher ethanol blends in commercial fuel.
Kejriwal announced the plan on Monday, saying that 100 people [1] would march to the Prime Minister's official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, Delhi [3]. The group intended to submit public petitions against what Kejriwal described as the "forced imposition" of the E20 fuel policy. The march was scheduled to begin at 12 p.m. [2].
During the protest, Kejriwal said the Prime Minister is acting under pressure from the U.S. to implement the ethanol-blended petrol mandate. He said the policy is being pushed despite potential concerns from the public and transport sectors.
Police halted the march at barricades before the protesters could reach the residence. Officials said the group was stopped because no permission for the demonstration had been sought or granted. The standoff occurred as security forces maintained a perimeter around the official residence to prevent the group from delivering the petitions.
The E20 policy refers to petrol blended with 20% ethanol, a move the government has promoted to reduce oil imports and lower carbon emissions. However, critics and some transport unions have raised concerns regarding engine compatibility, and the economic impact on vehicle owners.
“Arvind Kejriwal led a protest march toward Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence to oppose E20 ethanol-blended petrol.”
This confrontation underscores the intersection of environmental policy and geopolitical tension in India. By linking the E20 mandate to U.S. pressure, Kejriwal is attempting to frame a technical energy transition as a matter of national sovereignty, potentially mobilizing transport workers and vehicle owners who fear the costs of adapting to ethanol-blended fuels.
