SC to hear plea seeking mandatory disclosure of ethanol content in petrol on August 31

The Supreme Court will hear a petition on August 31 demanding mandatory disclosure of the ethanol content in petrol. The case involves a plea filed by Narendra Kumar Goswami, which seeks directives to the central government and other relevant bodies to ensure that every petrol pump dispenses fuel with clearly marked ethanol percentages. The petition also calls for detailed information on fuel invoices regarding the ethanol blend. The hearing will take place before a bench consisting of Justices M.M. Sundresh and Prasanna B. Varale. The petition argues that transparency in ethanol blending is essential for consumers and vehicle owners. It requests that the government prepare and publish an official, publicly accessible database detailing vehicle compatibility with different ethanol blends. This database should allow users to search by manufacturer, model, engine type, and year of manufacture. Additionally, the petitioner has asked for the formation of an independent expert committee representing various governmental agencies, including the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the Road Transport and Highways ministry, the Bureau of Indian Standards, and independent automobile engineers. This committee is tasked with examining real-world vehicle compatibility with E20, a blend containing 20% ethanol. The plea further demands that the committee assess the broader impacts of ethanol blending, such as effects on fuel efficiency, engine longevity, maintenance costs, warranty and insurance implications, and environmental factors like tailpipe emissions and water usage during ethanol production. It also raises concerns about food security and potential diversion of agricultural resources due to the ethanol blending program. The petition urges the government to develop a national consumer disclosure protocol for all ethanol-blended fuels, in collaboration with the Central Consumer Protection Authority and the Bureau of Indian Standards. In addition, the petitioner has requested that authorities provide the Supreme Court with all supporting documents related to the compulsory rollout of E20, including policy files, technical studies, compatibility reports, safety standards, consumer advisories, and records of public consultations. The plea also calls for the formulation of a transparent transition plan for older vehicles that may not be compatible with higher ethanol blends. This plan should consider the availability of lower ethanol petrol where it is technically, economically, and logistically viable, along with decisions based on expert analysis and public input. The issue of ethanol blending in petrol has been a subject of debate among stakeholders. While some argue that ethanol can reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions, others raise concerns about its impact on vehicle performance and the economy. The petition highlights these tensions, emphasizing the need for comprehensive data and informed policymaking. The government has previously stated that ethanol blending is an ongoing experiment, with results expected to be available by the end of the following year. As the Supreme Court prepares to address this complex legal and environmental issue, the outcome could have far-reaching implications for both consumers and the automotive industry. The court’s decision may set a precedent for how governments handle the integration of alternative fuels into the transportation sector. The proceedings will likely draw attention from policymakers, industry experts, and advocacy groups interested in the future of sustainable energy solutions in India.