Chandigarh: The Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Tuesday passed a resolution urging the Centre to review and suspend the mandatory implementation of E20 petrol for vehicles not originally designed or certified for it until all compatibility, consumer safety and state-specific concerns are addressed.Moved by finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema, the resolution pointed out that advancing the target schedule from 2030 left manufacturers, farmers and the public with inadequate time to prepare for the transition.The resolution called for the need to provide consumers an option of choosing between ethanol-free petrol and E20, stating that owners of older vehicles should not be forced to use higher blends without compatibility certification. It also called for a fair adjustment in the retail price of E20 to account for its comparatively lower calorific value and reduced fuel efficiency.The resolution noted that millions of vehicles across the country, including a large number in Punjab, were manufactured before E20-compatible engines became standard. It observed that the mandatory use of E20 fuel raises concerns regarding engine compatibility, accelerated wear and tear of fuel system components, reduced fuel efficiency and mileage, increased maintenance costs, possible warranty disputes, and a decline in the resale value of vehicles. The resulting economic burden is likely to fall most heavily on middle-class families, farmers, transporters, small business owners, employees, students, and daily commuters.The resolution recommended the Centre publish all scientific and economic studies, technical evaluations and data relating to E20 fuel’s impact on engine performance, mileage, emissions, maintenance costs, consumer safety and the overall cost of ownership. If any financial loss or mechanical damage is established to have resulted from the compulsory use of E20 fuel in vehicles not originally designed for such blends, an appropriate consumer compensation mechanism should be instituted, it said.“The formulation of such policies must not be influenced by international pressure or external compulsion but should instead be guided by the sovereign and independent judgement of India and its states, with national interest, constitutional principles and welfare of the people remaining paramount,” the resolution stated.The resolution acknowledged that reducing crude oil dependency, strengthening energy security, and promoting eco-friendly fuels are important national objectives. However, it emphasised that such policies must be implemented transparently, scientifically, and with due sensitivity towards citizens and state govts.Highlighting Punjab’s significant contribution to national food security alongside the state’s environmental and groundwater challenges, the House asserted that Punjab has every right to meaningful consultation before the rollout of policies carrying far-reaching economic and environmental implications.The House recommended the constitution of an independent committee comprising automotive engineers, petroleum experts, environmental scientists, consumer organisations, and representatives of state govts to evaluate and publicly share its findings on the technical and financial implications of E-20 implementation.“Punjab fully supports the objectives of energy security, environmental sustainability and technological advancement. However, these objectives must be pursued in a manner that protects consumer interests, respects the federal structure and ensures that no citizen is compelled to bear avoidable financial or mechanical burdens,” it read.The resolution will be forwarded to the President, the Prime Minister, Union ministers for petroleum and natural gas; road transport and highways and agriculture & farmers’ welfare, and NITI Aayog vice-chairman.Boxes‘Cut VAT on unblended petrol’: Cong jabs AAPCongress MLA Pargat Singh urged the AAP govt to cushion the impact on motorists by slashing VAT on petrol, ensuring unblended fuel remains available at all pumps. Pointing out that the E20 fuel mandate could be an opportunity in disguise for farmers by encouraging crop diversification, he took a swipe at Centre’s discussions, remarking they were being “dictated by E20 and T20”. He also questioned the practice of passing resolutions in the House, noting that VB G-RAM-G initially opposed by Punjab govt was later notified. Congress MLA Avtar Singh Junior’s said production of one litre ethanol requires 10,800 litres of water. “If ethanol is harmful for environment, has the AAP govt issued any licences for its production?” He also sought to know steps taken to promote electric vehicles in the state and whether AAP govt will reduce VAT on petrol. Earlier, his request to defer the debate by a day to allow members time to research the subject was turned down by the Speaker.Fortunes not tied to ethanol production: Rana GurjitDuring the introduction of the resolution, finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema implicitly pointed towards Congress MLA Rana Gurjit Singh without naming him, noting that an ethanol producer was present in the House. When Rana Gurjit Singh subsequently took the floor, he asserted his personal fortunes were not tied to ethanol production. “If not ethanol production, I will do something else. I have switched from producing threads to sugar to ethanol. If you want to stop it (ethanol), you’re most welcome. Don’t worry about my losses,” he said. He added, “The question is how much paddy was sown in the last three years and how much the ethanol industry procured so that it doesn’t rot in the godowns. The trials for ethanol have been on since 2001 much before Donald Trump came on the scene. Punjab’s farmers are now fetching Rs 24 per kg for maize, instead of the earlier rate of Rs 8 and it is solely due to the ethanol industry.” Accusing the Congress of doublespeak, cabinet minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond said Rana Gurjit may have a personal interest in the issue, but what about them? The remark invited a strong protest from Rana Gurjit.Nobody against ethanol: SpeakerSpeaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan said, “Nobody is against ethanol or E20 fuel and the issue is that people were staring at financial losses as their vehicles were developing faults.” He made the statement while interrupting independent MLA Rana Inder Partap Singh, who was elaborating on need for ethanol blending.
