Guwahati: Delhi-based transport bodies on Tuesday staged a protest at Rajghat demanding the withdrawal of the Centre’s E20 ethanol-blended petrol policy.
The protest was organised by the Delhi Taxi and Tourist Transporters and Tour Operators Association and other transport organisations. The groups had initially planned a march to Parliament but shifted the venue after they were denied permission by the Delhi Police.
“As no permission was given by Delhi Police, we decided to go to Rajghat and offer our prayers to Mahatma Gandhi,” Sanjay Samrat, president of the Delhi Taxi and Tourist Transporters and Tour Operators Association, said.
The E20 ethanol-blending policy has been at the centre of a debate over claims that it reduces vehicle mileage, causes engine wear and involves conflicts of interest.
The Centre has defended the programme, stating that there is no immediate proposal to increase ethanol blending beyond 20%. It has maintained that E20 fuel is safe, environmentally cleaner and beneficial to farmers.