Arvind Kejriwal and Amit Malviya Clash Over Ethanol in Fuel Debate

Social Media Showdown Between Kejriwal and Malviya

New Delhi, August 6 - A heated exchange unfolded on the social media platform 'X' between Arvind Kejriwal, the national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and Amit Malviya, head of the IT department of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The confrontation arose when Kejriwal accused the central government of planning to mix ethanol into diesel and aviation turbine fuel (ATF). In response, Malviya criticized the former Chief Minister of Delhi, labeling his claims as spreading 'fake news' and creating unnecessary 'panic.' He emphasized that the government has made it clear that no decision has been made regarding the addition of more than E20 ethanol.

E20 is a fuel blend consisting of 80% petrol and 20% ethanol, which is transforming the retail fuel market in the country. Kejriwal asserted that the government intends to incorporate ethanol into diesel soon.

He urged the public to refrain from purchasing new petrol and diesel vehicles for the time being. In another post, he claimed, citing sources, that the Modi government is also planning to add ethanol to aviation turbine fuel. Kejriwal alleged in a post on 'X' that after implementing the E20 fuel system, the government aims to increase the ethanol content in petrol to over 50%.

He stated, 'It appears they are planning to mix more than 50% ethanol into petrol. They are just waiting for the situation to calm down. Previously, they forced E20 petrol into your E0 and E10 vehicles, damaging them in the process.'

Kejriwal warned that if someone buys a new E20 vehicle today, the government might soon force E50 petrol into it, leading to similar damage. Responding to Malviya, he accused the government of waiting for the right moment before increasing the ethanol content in fuel. Kejriwal remarked, 'Just as you implemented E20 without any scientific study or listening to anyone, you will do the same with E50.'

He criticized the government's approach, stating that it reflects a disregard for science, engineering, and technology. Kejriwal challenged Malviya to make any studies conducted prior to the implementation of the E20 petrol system public.

In a counter-post on 'X', Malviya responded, asserting that Kejriwal's arguments are based on 'fear' rather than facts. He reiterated that the government has clarified that no decision has been made to increase the ethanol blend beyond E20, calling the discussion of a hypothetical E50 nothing more than fear-mongering politics.

Malviya dismissed Kejriwal's claims, stating that it is entirely incorrect to say that E20 was implemented without any scientific study.

He further claimed that the decision to implement E20 was not made hastily and that the ethanol blending program has been progressing in a phased manner for over two decades. Malviya noted that extensive testing was conducted before the implementation of E20, with consultations from all relevant stakeholders. The AAP has criticized the government's policy promoting the E20 petrol system, alleging that ethanol-blended fuel adversely affects vehicle owners.