06 August,2026 10:32 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Arvind Kejriwal. File Pic
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday accused the Centre of forcing the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) to withdraw a communication related to E20 fuel, alleging that the government was pushing ethanol blending despite scientific concerns. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), however, rejected the allegations, citing SIAM's clarification that its earlier communication had been taken out of context.
In a post on X, Kejriwal alleged that the Centre had pressured SIAM into withdrawing its earlier communication on ethanol-related fuel quality issues.
"U forced SIAM to withdraw their report. Typical Modi style. Gundagardi."
He further claimed, "Modi ji never respected science, engg or research. He only serves his hidden agenda. Here, he is under pressure from Trump to buy ethanol from the US. Unable to withstand that pressure, he is bulldozing ethanol on the whole country against all scientific evidence."
Kejriwal did not provide evidence to support his allegations regarding external pressure or the government's decision-making process.
Responding to Kejriwal's remarks, BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya referred to SIAM's official clarification and accused the AAP leader of spreading misinformation about India's ethanol blending programme.
In a post on X, Malviya said, "Arvind Kejriwal's propaganda has collapsed. The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) has categorically clarified that selective excerpts from its internal communication were taken out of context to create a misleading narrative around fuel quality and E20... The fear-mongering campaign against E20 was built on selective leaks and half-truths. SIAM's clarification exposes that misinformation and reaffirms confidence in India's ethanol blending programme, which strengthens energy security, reduces oil imports, and benefits farmers."
On August 5, SIAM issued a detailed clarification after media reports cited portions of an internal communication relating to chloride and sulphur content in E20 fuel.
The industry body said fuel quality testing under the existing regulatory framework is a comprehensive process involving more than 150 parameters and is carried out by oil marketing companies (OMCs).
According to SIAM, the communication referred to in media reports was part of routine technical discussions among industry stakeholders, including automobile manufacturers, OMCs, testing agencies and industry associations.
The organisation added that "Some numbers quoted in the communication need authentication through collection of elaborate data from various regions across the country followed by a comprehensive consultation with our member OEMs."
SIAM also noted that the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) has prescribed precautionary guidelines of 3 ppm for chloride and sulphur in ethanol blended into the petrol supply chain.
The industry body said these measures adequately address the automobile sector's requirements and added that OMCs conduct regular quality checks, including water ingress testing 8 to 12 times a day at more than 87,000 fuel outlets, with additional checks after rainfall near petrol pumps.
Reiterating its support for the government's ethanol blending initiative, SIAM said the programme is important from the perspective of India's energy security. It added that there was no cause for concern over the issues highlighted in media reports, as such technical matters have been routinely addressed between the automobile industry and OMCs over the years.
SIAM further stated that the figures referred to in the media required verification and, therefore, it was withdrawing its earlier communication while urging media organisations and stakeholders to consider the full context in future reporting.
