The Supreme Court of India today dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking mandatory and uniform disclosure of ethanol content on petrol dispensing nozzles across fuel stations nationwide.
A Bench comprising Justice M.M. Sundresh and Justice P.B. Varale declined to entertain the petition, granting the petitioner liberty to approach competent regulatory authorities.
Key Details of the Case
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The Petitioner’s Demand:
Advocate Narendra Kumar Goswami filed the plea seeking directions to the Central Government for uniform labelling on every dispensing nozzle at petrol pumps, disclosing the exact percentage of ethanol in petrol.
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Court’s Directive:
Refusing to entertain the plea, the Bench stated in its order:
"(Petition) dismissed. Open for petitioner to approach competent authority."
Exact Courtroom Exchange
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On Forum Selection:
The Bench questioned why the petitioner directly approached the Supreme Court under Article 32 instead of filing in a High Court:
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Bench:
"Who are you? You are practising where? Go to HC and file it."
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On the Consumer’s Right to Know:
Petitioner Goswami clarified that he was not challenging the government’s E20 policy itself, but advocating for consumer disclosure:
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Petitioner:
"I have right to be informed. I want to know. If I buy petrol there is no mention of e20." -
Petitioner:
"I am not challenging the policy. I just want to know. I have the right to know. Even when we buy a packet of biscuits we know the ingredients."
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Government’s Opposition:
Attorney General R. Venkataramani, appearing for the Union Government, opposed the plea, noting that the apex court had previously turned down challenges to the ethanol blending policy:
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Attorney General:
"Your lordships have already dismissed pleas challenging the policy."
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Background: The E20 Fuel Row
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What is E20 Fuel?
E20 is a blend of 20% ethanol and 80% petrol. It forms a core part of the Indian government’s strategy to reduce crude oil imports, lower emissions, and boost domestic biofuel production.
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Vehicle Compatibility Issues:
While new vehicles introduced since 2023 are largely E20-compliant, concerns remain for older models. High ethanol blends can cause fuel system corrosion, damage to rubber components, and reduced fuel economy in non-compatible engines.
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Recent Consumer Litigation:
In a recent related development, the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, ordered car manufacturer Maruti Suzuki to provide a new E20-compatible Grand Vitara car to a customer whose vehicle broke down allegedly due to E20 fuel usage.
Outcome
The Supreme Court refused to grant judicial relief on petrol nozzle labelling, leaving it open for consumer rights advocates to take up the issue directly with competent administrative and regulatory authorities.