KATHMANDU : A new social media campaign opposing India’s E20 ethanol-blended petrol is rapidly gaining traction online, with the satirical ‘E20 Janta Party’ attracting hundreds of thousands of followers on Instagram.
The digital movement has emerged in the wake of the viral Cockroach Janta Party, which gained nationwide attention during protests over the NEET examination paper leak. Inspired by that campaign, the E20 Janta Party is now focusing on fuel policy.
At the time of publication, the group’s Instagram account had crossed 218,000 followers, with its audience continuing to grow.
The campaign is calling for consumers to have the option of purchasing 100% unblended petrol at a lower price. It has also demanded the resignation of India’s Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, who has faced criticism from some motorists over the rollout of E20 fuel.
India currently supplies E20 petrol, a fuel blended with 20% ethanol, as part of the government’s strategy to reduce fossil fuel imports and lower emissions.
Critics argue that E20 petrol reduces fuel efficiency and could affect engine durability, particularly in older vehicles.
The Indian government, however, maintains that E20 is safe for compatible vehicles and says there is no laboratory or real-world evidence showing that it causes engine damage or excessive wear. It has also clarified that there are no plans to reintroduce unblended petrol.
Authorities acknowledge that E10-compatible vehicles may experience a slight reduction in fuel economy when running on E20 fuel, but say the impact is limited.
The growing popularity of the E20 Janta Party highlights increasing public debate over ethanol-blended fuel, even as the government continues to promote higher ethanol adoption as part of its energy and environmental policies.
