The Supreme Court on Monday declined to entertain a petition seeking mandatory disclosure of the precise ethanol content in petrol sold at fuel stations across the country. The Court, however, granted the petitioner liberty to pursue the matter before the appropriate high court.
A bench comprising Justice M.M. Sundresh and Justice P.B. Varale dismissed the petition filed by advocate Narendra Goswami. The petition raised concerns relating to consumer awareness, vehicle compatibility and the possible impact of ethanol-blended petrol—particularly E20 fuel—on vehicles already operating in India.
The petitioner sought directions requiring petrol pumps to prominently display the exact percentage of ethanol blended with the petrol being supplied. He also requested that fuel stations be directed to mention the ethanol content separately on every receipt or invoice issued to consumers.
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According to the plea, consumers should be informed of the precise composition of the fuel at the point of sale so that they can determine whether it is suitable for their vehicles. The petition contended that such disclosure was necessary because vehicles may have different levels of compatibility with ethanol-blended petrol depending on their manufacturer, model, engine configuration and year of manufacture.
Vehicle-wise compatibility database sought
The petition also sought the creation of an official and publicly accessible vehicle-wise compatibility database covering the different ethanol blends available in India.
Such a database, the petitioner proposed, should classify vehicles on the basis of their manufacturer, model, engine type and year of manufacture. It would help motorists ascertain whether their vehicles were designed or approved to operate on fuels such as E10 or E20.
E20 refers to petrol blended with 20 per cent ethanol and 80 per cent conventional petrol. India has been progressively increasing the use of ethanol-blended petrol as part of its policy to reduce dependence on imported crude oil, promote alternative fuels and lower certain vehicular emissions.
The petition, however, highlighted the need to ensure that consumers, particularly owners of older vehicles, receive adequate information about whether their vehicles are compatible with higher ethanol blends.
Independent expert committee proposed
Another significant relief sought in the petition was the constitution of an independent expert committee to examine the real-world consequences of using E20 petrol in the existing vehicle fleet.
The proposed committee was to include representatives of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the Bureau of Indian Standards and independent automobile engineers.
The petitioner wanted the expert body to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the compatibility of E20 petrol with vehicles currently in use. The proposed study was not to be confined to technical compatibility alone but was also expected to examine the wider financial, environmental and consumer-related implications of the transition.
The plea specifically sought an evaluation of the effect of E20 fuel on vehicle mileage, engine performance, engine life and maintenance expenditure. It also raised questions concerning the possible implications for manufacturer warranties and motor insurance coverage where a vehicle may not have been designed for higher ethanol blends.
Environmental and food-security issues raised
Apart from vehicle-related concerns, the petition called for an examination of the broader consequences of expanded ethanol production and consumption.
It sought an assessment of emissions arising from the use of ethanol-blended petrol, the amount of water consumed in producing ethanol and the possible implications of diverting agricultural produce for fuel production.
The petitioner also raised food-security concerns linked to the use of food crops as feedstock for ethanol. These issues, according to the plea, required an independent and transparent evaluation while implementing the country’s ethanol-blending programme.
National consumer disclosure protocol requested
The petition further sought the formulation of a uniform national consumer disclosure protocol for ethanol-blended petrol. Such a framework would standardise the information supplied to motorists at fuel stations and ensure that consumers across the country are informed about the composition of the petrol they purchase.
It also requested a transparent transition framework for older vehicles and vehicles that may not be compatible with higher ethanol blends. The suggested measures included exploring the continued availability of petrol containing a lower percentage of ethanol, wherever technically and commercially feasible.
The petition’s central argument was that the transition to higher ethanol blends should be accompanied by clear disclosures and adequate safeguards for consumers whose vehicles may not have been manufactured for E20 fuel.
The Supreme Court did not examine these issues on their merits after declining to entertain the petition. By granting liberty to approach the concerned high court, however, the bench left it open to the petitioner to raise the requested consumer-disclosure and vehicle-compatibility measures before the appropriate judicial forum.
