Give consumers option between 100% petrol and ethanol-blended petrol, Aaditya Thackeray writes to PM Modi
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Worli MLA Aaditya Thackeray has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the government to reconsider the mandatory blending of
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Worli MLA Aaditya Thackeray has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the government to reconsider the mandatory blending of ethanol in petrol and provide consumers with a choice between pure petrol and ethanol-blended fuel. In his letter dated July 16, 2026, Mr. Thackeray said lakhs of vehicle owners, particularly from the middle class and youth, have expressed concerns over the rising percentage of ethanol in petrol.
He said many families purchase two-wheelers or cars after years of savings and loan repayments, and expect the vehicles to deliver the performance and mileage promised by manufacturers. He said citizens have reported lower mileage and reduced performance with higher ethanol blends. He added that many vehicles currently on the roads were not designed for such blends, and owners feel they are being made to bear the consequences without any alternative.
Thackeray also raised questions about the environmental sustainability of the policy. He said sugarcane, the primary source of ethanol production in India, requires large amounts of water. He pointed to water scarcity in several parts of the country and said citizens have questioned whether this is the most sustainable approach. He noted that a perception exists that the policy benefits certain companies and industry groups more than ordinary citizens.
He said these concerns require transparent addressal, regardless of their accuracy. Thackeray said consumers in many countries have the freedom to choose the fuel they use. He requested the government to make both options available — 100% petrol and ethanol-blended petrol for those who opt for it. He said this would protect consumer choice, prevent inconvenience to existing vehicle owners, and build public confidence in government policies.
The BriefWire