After the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) campaign around examination issues gained attention, a new online collective called the E20 Janta Party (EJP) has entered the spotlight with a campaign demanding the option of buying 100% pure petrol alongside ethanol-blended fuel.

While the group says it is a consumer rights movement and not against ethanol blending, some of its social media posts have targeted Union Minister Nitin Gadkari over the government's ethanol push, raising questions over whether the fuel policy debate could become the next major political flashpoint.

The group said its movement is not against ethanol blending but is focused on giving consumers the freedom to choose fuel based on their vehicle requirements and preferences.

Announcing the campaign, the EJP said, “Our demand is simple: give every Indian the option to buy 100% pure petrol. We are not asking the government to withdraw E20 fuel or provide any subsidy. We only want consumers to have a choice.”

The launch comes as India continues to increase ethanol blending in petrol as part of its energy security strategy. The government has promoted ethanol blending to reduce dependence on imported crude oil, lower emissions and support domestic ethanol production.

What is the E20 Janta Party demanding?

The organisation has listed a five-point charter of demands:

  • Availability of 100% pure petrol as an option at fuel stations.
  • Clear fuel labelling showing the exact ethanol content.
  • Public information on the costs, benefits and impact of different fuel blends.
  • Independent studies on mileage, engine performance, emissions and maintenance costs.
  • Protection of consumers' right to make informed fuel choices.

The group said fuel policy should focus on transparency and allow motorists to decide what fuel is suitable for their vehicles.

Concerns over ethanol-blended petrol

The EJP said some vehicle owners have raised concerns over mileage, engine compatibility, maintenance expenses and long-term vehicle performance after the introduction of higher ethanol blends.

While the government and industry bodies have highlighted environmental and economic benefits of ethanol blending, critics of mandatory higher blends have called for more publicly available data on their impact on different vehicle categories.

The EJP said independent research and transparent information would help consumers make informed decisions.

Social media campaign gains attention

The group has also gained attention on social media platforms, including X and Instagram, where it has described itself as a consumer rights movement.

Inspired by recent online campaigns around public issues, the EJP has used the slogan "One Demand. One Right." to promote its campaign.

The organisation has clarified that it is not seeking the removal of ethanol-blended petrol but wants both blended and unblended petrol options to be available.

Political references and criticism

Some EJP social media posts have criticised the government's ethanol policy and raised questions about Union Minister Nitin Gadkari's role in promoting ethanol adoption.

However, the organisation has maintained that its stated objective is consumer choice rather than political opposition.

The movement comes amid wider debates over India's fuel transition, with supporters highlighting ethanol blending's potential benefits for energy security and farmers, while critics argue that consumers should have greater choice and access to more information.

Background: India's ethanol blending programme

India has been increasing ethanol blending in petrol as part of efforts to reduce crude oil imports and promote alternative fuels.

The E20 programme refers to petrol containing up to 20% ethanol. The government has pushed for wider adoption of ethanol-blended fuel, while discussions continue around vehicle compatibility, fuel efficiency and consumer awareness.

The E20 Janta Party's campaign now seeks to bring the issue of fuel choice and transparency into public debate.