Youth Congress Protests Against E-20 Fuel in Nagpur

Youth Congress activists in Nagpur protested against the implementation of E-20 fuel, questioning its practicality and demanding the resignation of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. The protest, which began at Chitnavis Park Chowk, was met with police intervention, leading to several detentions. Congress leaders raised concerns about the negative impact of E-20 fuel on vehicles, citing complaints from consumers and mechanics. The party has been vocal in its criticism of Gadkari's handling of the issue, calling for a thorough investigation into alleged irregularities. This protest highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the controversial fuel policy.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 3, 2026, 22:26 IST

Protest Against E-20 Fuel Implementation

Nagpur, August 3 - On Monday, Youth Congress activists staged a protest in Nagpur regarding the E-20 fuel issue and attempted to march towards the residence of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. However, police intervened and halted their progress, leading to the detention of several demonstrators. The march commenced from Chitnavis Park Chowk in Mahal and aimed to reach Gadkari's private residence.

During the protest, the Youth Congress members raised questions about the practical utility of E-20 fuel. A significant police presence was deployed near the minister's residence, with barricades set up along the route. Despite this, protesters attempted to breach the barriers to continue their march.

According to police officials, numerous Congress workers were taken into custody. The Congress party has been consistently targeting Nitin Gadkari over the E-20 fuel issue. They argue that Gadkari's response in Parliament on July 29 regarding the nationwide implementation of E-20 petrol has raised more questions than it answered.

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh stated on Monday that Gadkari claims E-20 petrol was implemented only after extensive scientific testing, asserting that there is no evidence of widespread damage to vehicles. Ramesh posted on the social media platform 'X', stating, 'However, consumers and mechanics across the country have been reporting issues such as decreased mileage, engine performance decline, long-term effects of E-20 on vehicles, difficulties starting in cold weather, rapid wear in vehicles manufactured before 2023, fuel injector blockages in older vehicles, rust in fuel pipes, and cracks in rubber components.'

During a press conference in Mumbai, Harshvardhan Sapkal, president of the Maharashtra Congress unit, demanded Gadkari's resignation. He accused the implementation of E-20 fuel as a 'major scam' that has put millions of vehicle owners in distress while benefiting certain vested interests connected to power.

Sapkal claimed, 'The deadline for implementing E-20 fuel nationwide was set before 2030 to benefit specific interests. There have also been complaints that water is being mixed with petrol instead of ethanol. A thorough investigation into this matter is necessary.'

He further alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Nitin Gadkari, and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis are responsible for these 'irregularities'.

While demanding Gadkari's resignation, Sapkal asserted that the Nagpur MP has aggressively promoted ethanol-blended fuel despite complaints from vehicle owners. The Congress leader also claimed that middlemen are involved in this alleged scam, and their roles should be exposed. Sapkal stated that consumers have been deceived by selling blended fuel at petrol prices, and Prime Minister Modi should apologize to the nation for this.