Arvind Kejriwal, the national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has accused the central government and major automobile manufacturers of misleading the public over the promotion of ethanol-blended petrol. The former Delhi chief minister claimed that three out of six automobile companies had refused to endorse the government’s claims about the fuel’s benefits. However, Maruti Suzuki, Toyota Kirloskar, and Hero MotoCorp held press conferences to reiterate the government’s stance, according to Kejriwal.
Allegations of Misrepresentation
Kejriwal’s accusations came during a press conference on 7 July 2026, where he asserted that the Modi government had been pushing ethanol-blended petrol without adequate transparency. He claimed that when his party sought clarifications from six major automakers, three declined to support the government’s narrative. The AAP leader did not name the three companies that refused, but he highlighted that the remaining three—Maruti Suzuki, Toyota Kirloskar, and Hero MotoCorp—held press briefings to back the government’s claims.
The AAP convenor argued that this selective endorsement raised questions about the veracity of the government’s claims regarding ethanol-blended petrol’s environmental and economic benefits. He called for an independent investigation into the matter.
Government and Industry Response
The central government has not yet issued an official response to Kejriwal’s allegations. Maruti Suzuki, Toyota Kirloskar, and Hero MotoCorp have not commented on the specific claims made by the AAP leader. However, their press conferences, as mentioned by Kejriwal, seem to have aligned with the government’s position on ethanol blending.
The ethanol-blended petrol program is part of India’s National Biofuel Policy, aimed at reducing crude oil imports and promoting cleaner fuel. The government has set a target of 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025, a goal that has seen mixed reactions from industry stakeholders.
Impact on Public Perception
Kejriwal’s allegations could fuel public skepticism about the ethanol blending initiative. Environmental groups have previously raised concerns about the sustainability of large-scale ethanol production, including its impact on water resources and food security. The AAP leader’s remarks may add to these concerns, potentially influencing consumer confidence in ethanol-blended petrol.
The issue also carries political implications, as Kejriwal has been a vocal critic of the Modi government on various policy matters. His latest attack comes ahead of upcoming state elections, where fuel prices and environmental policies are likely to be key issues.
As the debate unfolds, the public awaits further details from both the government and the automakers involved. The AAP has promised to release more information in the coming days, including the names of the companies that allegedly refused to support the government’s claims.
