New Delhi – Several transport bodies in Delhi, representing a significant portion of the capital's auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers, have announced a protest march to the Indian Parliament on August 4. The demonstration is organized to express strong opposition and concerns regarding the government's E20 ethanol-blended fuel policy, which they claim is imposing substantial economic burdens and causing technical problems for vehicle owners.

Key organizations involved in the planned protest include the Delhi Auto Rickshaw Sangh, the Delhi Taxi Union, and the Sarvodaya Drivers Association of Delhi. Representatives from these unions have stated that the E20 fuel, which contains 20% ethanol and 80% petrol, leads to reduced fuel efficiency and accelerated wear and tear on engines not originally designed for such blends. This, they argue, translates directly into higher operational costs and increased maintenance expenses for drivers, many of whom operate on narrow profit margins. The unions have explicitly stated their belief that the government is not adequately addressing these issues, with one union leader reportedly using the phrase "MPs sleeping" to highlight their perception of parliamentary inaction.

The E20 fuel initiative is part of the Indian government's broader strategy to reduce reliance on crude oil imports, enhance energy security, and lower carbon emissions. The national rollout of E20 began in April 2023, with the goal of achieving pan-India availability by 2025. This policy aims to save foreign exchange and promote the domestic production of ethanol, primarily from sugarcane and other agricultural waste. The government has encouraged the adoption of E20-compatible vehicles and has been working to expand the infrastructure for ethanol blending across the country.

However, the transport unions maintain that the transition to E20 has overlooked the challenges faced by owners of older vehicles, which comprise a significant portion of Delhi's commercial transport fleet. They report that vehicles not specifically designed for E20 exhibit lower mileage, necessitating more frequent refueling and thus higher expenditure on fuel. Additionally, concerns have been raised about potential long-term damage to engine components and fuel systems, leading to increased repair costs. The unions are seeking intervention from policymakers to either roll back the E20 mandate, provide subsidies to offset increased costs, or offer viable alternatives for drivers impacted by the policy.

The planned march on August 4 is intended to draw national attention to these grievances and pressure the government to engage in dialogue with the affected transport sector. Union leaders anticipate a substantial turnout, aiming to highlight the collective plight of thousands of drivers and urge a re-evaluation of the E20 fuel policy's implementation, particularly concerning its socio-economic impact on commercial vehicle operators.