📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Singh PreetManak
Politics
Punjab Assembly Rejects E20 Ethanol Blend, Blames US Pressure on Centre
✍️ The Times of India
🗓 04 Aug 2026, 09:42 PM
👁 5
The Punjab Legislative Assembly voted against the government's plan to introduce an E20 ethanol blend in petrol, citing undue influence from the United States.
The Punjab Legislative Assembly held a session on Thursday where members voted against the central government's proposal to mandate an E20 ethanol blend in petrol. The motion was supported by opposition parties and a few independents, reflecting widespread concern over the policy’s impact on fuel prices and local farmers.
During the debate, several legislators accused the Centre of acting under pressure from the United States, alleging that the US government had lobbied for the adoption of higher ethanol content in Indian fuels. They argued that the policy could strain the domestic agricultural sector and increase costs for consumers.
The ruling party defended the proposal as a step toward reducing carbon emissions and boosting domestic ethanol production. However, the opposition highlighted the lack of consultation with state governments and the potential economic fallout.
The E20 policy, which would replace 20% of petrol with ethanol, has been a subject of national debate since the government announced its intent to increase ethanol blending in 2023. Punjab’s opposition reflects a broader skepticism among several states about the timing and implementation of the measure.
During the debate, several legislators accused the Centre of acting under pressure from the United States, alleging that the US government had lobbied for the adoption of higher ethanol content in Indian fuels. They argued that the policy could strain the domestic agricultural sector and increase costs for consumers.
The ruling party defended the proposal as a step toward reducing carbon emissions and boosting domestic ethanol production. However, the opposition highlighted the lack of consultation with state governments and the potential economic fallout.
The E20 policy, which would replace 20% of petrol with ethanol, has been a subject of national debate since the government announced its intent to increase ethanol blending in 2023. Punjab’s opposition reflects a broader skepticism among several states about the timing and implementation of the measure.