Yadav Questions Centre's E20 Petrol Policy Amid CEA's E10 Support

Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday mounted a fresh attack on the Centre's fuel policy, questioning the government's commitment to E20 petrol promotion after reports emerged of Chief Economic Adviser Ananta Nageswaran backing E10 as an alternative ethanol-blended fuel.

The Samajwadi Party chief sought clarification on the apparent contradiction, asking who should be trusted on the matter—the government or its own economic adviser. The remarks underscore growing uncertainty around the administration's push for E20 adoption across the country.

E20 fuel, a petrol variant blended with 20 per cent ethanol, has been promoted by the government as a cleaner, domestically-produced alternative to conventional petrol. However, the reported support for E10—which contains 10 per cent ethanol—by the CEA suggests possible reconsideration of the fuel transition strategy.

Yadav's intervention reflects broader concerns among opposition parties about the clarity and consistency of the Centre's energy policy direction. The controversy comes as the government continues efforts to promote ethanol-blended fuels to reduce import dependence and lower emissions.

Neither the government nor the Chief Economic Adviser's office has issued a formal clarification on the reported remarks regarding E10 support.