After days of attacking the Centre over E20 fuel for passenger vehicles, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday escalated the issue by claiming that the government was now planning ethanol blending in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), alleging that such a move could endanger air safety and put passengers at risk.
The government rejected the charge outright, calling it baseless and irresponsible, while BJP IT department head Amit Malviya accused Kejriwal of spreading fear through misinformation.
The former Delhi Chief Minister claimed on X that, according to sources, the Modi government intended to blend ethanol in ATF used by commercial aircraft.
“Sources indicate that Modi govt plans to mix ethanol in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF). Experts say that this cud seriously compromise the safety of flights,” he wrote.
He also alleged that the Centre was preparing to increase ethanol content in petrol beyond the existing E20 level.
In another post, he said, “It seems they are going to adulterate petrol with more than 50 per cent. They are just waiting for the atmosphere to calm down”.
He further alleged that E20 fuel had been introduced without adequate scientific study and warned that future higher ethanol blends could damage vehicles.
GOVT REJECTS ALLEGATIONS
The Ministry of Civil Aviation issued a strong rebuttal soon after the remarks. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said, “The claim that the Government plans to blend ethanol with Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) is completely false and irresponsible. There is no such proposal”.
He also clarified that ethanol and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) are entirely different fuels and should not be confused.
Naidu said SAF is an internationally recognised aviation fuel approved by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and adopted globally.
According to the ministry, SAF undergoes rigorous testing and complies with stringent international safety standards before being approved for commercial aviation use.
The minister cautioned against linking ethanol with aviation fuel, saying such claims could create unnecessary concern among passengers.
“Spreading misinformation on aviation safety only creates needless anxiety among air travellers,” he said, adding that passenger safety remains the government’s highest priority and that any aviation fuel decision would be guided by scientific evaluation and global safety norms.
“HABIT OF SPREADING PANIC”
Amit Malviya also launched a sharp attack on Kejriwal on X. He wrote, “Spreading fake news and creating panic is Arvind Kejriwal’s old habit,” and said the Centre had clearly stated that no decision had been taken to increase ethanol blending beyond E20.
He added that raising fears about an “imaginary E50” was merely an attempt to create public anxiety.
Responding to Malviya, Kejriwal reiterated that the government was waiting for the situation to cool down before moving towards higher ethanol blends and challenged the BJP leader to make public any scientific study conducted before E20 was implemented.
AAP’S ANTI-E20 CAMPAIGN
The latest exchange comes amid an ongoing campaign by the AAP against E20 petrol. The party has alleged that ethanol-blended fuel is adversely affecting vehicle owners.
Earlier this week, Delhi Police stopped Kejriwal and other AAP leaders from marching towards the Prime Minister’s residence to submit petitions opposing E20 fuel, leading to a protest by party workers in the national capital.
With both sides hardening their positions, the controversy over ethanol blending is likely to remain a politically charged issue in the coming days, with further statements and counter-statements expected from the government and the opposition.
– Ends
Published On:
Aug 6, 2026 16:36 IST
