Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal has made a major election promise in Goa, saying his party would ban the sale of E20 petrol in the state within five days if the AAP forms the government after the 2027 Assembly elections.
Speaking at an E20 town hall during his visit to Goa, Kejriwal said that if an AAP government is formed after March 10, 2027, the sale of ethanol-blended petrol would be stopped within five days. He also challenged himself politically, saying he would leave politics if the promise was not fulfilled.
Kejriwal's Opposition to E20 Petrol
E20 petrol contains 20% ethanol blended with 80% petrol. The fuel has been introduced as part of India's strategy to reduce dependence on imported crude oil, promote domestic ethanol production and lower emissions.
Kejriwal, however, has strongly criticised the nationwide rollout. He has claimed that vehicle owners, particularly those using older vehicles, have reported lower mileage and problems involving engines and fuel systems. These are claims made by Kejriwal and AAP and should not be treated as established evidence that E20 universally damages vehicles.
AAP has been campaigning against what it calls the "forced" implementation of E20 petrol and has demanded that consumers be given a choice between different fuel blends. The party previously launched a nationwide signature campaign on the issue.
E20 and Rising Sugar Prices
Kejriwal has also connected the ethanol-blending programme with the recent rise in sugar prices. He has argued that diverting sugarcane towards ethanol production has reduced the availability of sugar for domestic consumption.
The Centre, however, has attributed the increase in sugar prices to several factors, including lower-than-expected production, festive demand, crop damage, tightening global supplies, speculation and hoarding.
Goa Election Becomes Key Test
The E20 issue could become an important campaign topic ahead of the 2027 Goa Assembly election. The state has a 40-member Assembly, and AAP currently has two MLAs there. Kejriwal's promise gives the party a specific policy position on fuel that could appeal to vehicle owners concerned about mileage and compatibility.
For now, the statement is an election promise, not an immediate change in Goa's fuel policy. Whether the proposed ban can be implemented by a future state government would depend on the legal and regulatory framework governing fuel supply and ethanol blending.
