Priyanka retweetledi
Govt ministers dismissed those raising concerns about E20 petrol as “motivated trolls” and are running social media campaigns to defend their actions by comparing India with Brazil.
Here’s the reality check, Mr @HardeepSPuri:
1. In Brazil, blending began in 1975, but E0 petrol remained available until 1993 (and still in special cases), giving non-compliant car owners an alternative for nearly two decades. India jumped from E10 to E20 in just 3 years without offering E0/E5/E10 options, despite 80–90% of current petrol vehicles not being E20-compatible.
2. Brazil worked with automakers well before setting mandates, so by the time E22 became law, almost all new cars were ethanol-compatible. In India, BIS regulations are announced with short compliance timelines forcing rushed adaptations and causing performance complaints. Govt rolled out E20 despite knowing cars made before 2023 are not compliant.
3. Brazil kept its blend steady (E20–E25) for years, allowing OEMs to design engines with certainty. India’s rapid jump from E10 to E20 leaves little time for testing, and now we plan to roll out E27 in the next few years.
4. Brazil reduced fuel prices after ethanol blending. India hasn’t, despite reduced mileage and potential parts damage in non-compliant vehicles.
5. Brazil kept the public well informed about ethanol’s role, benefits, and limitations, framing it as national energy independence. In India, decisions are pushed through with little to no public communication or feedback.
6. Brazil started with petrol blending only, perfecting stability, infrastructure, and compatibility before tackling diesel or flex-fuel. India is simultaneously pushing E20 petrol, flex-fuel prototypes, biodiesel, CNG, EVs, and diesel-ethanol.
So don’t hide behind Brazil. We’re not questioning your intent, but your methods. Don’t use consumers’ hard-earned assets as test subjects.
: A motivated troll.
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