*Punjab Vidhan Sabha Passes Resolution Urging Centre To Suspend Mandatory E-20 Rollout Until Consumer Concerns Are Addressed*

*Cabinet Minister Minister Harpal Singh Cheema Moves Resolution in Vidhan Sabha Expressing Deep Concern Over Nation-Wide Mandatory Implementation of E-20 Petrol*

*Mandatory E-20 Rollout Must Not Burden Consumers, Farmers & States*

*Punjab Assembly Urges Centre To Suspend Mandatory E-20 Implementation Until Consumer Safety & Compatibility Concerns Are Addressed*

*Consumers Must Be Given Choice Between Ethanol-Free Petrol and E-20 Petrol*

CHANDIGARH; 4th August 2026:Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Tuesday moved a comprehensive resolution in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha expressing grave concern over the Central Government’s decision to enforce the mandatory nationwide supply and implementation of E-20 petrol without ensuring the protection of the interests of consumers, vehicle owners and states.

The Punjab Vidhan Sabha subsequently passed the resolution, urging the Centre to review and suspend the mandatory implementation of E-20 petrol for vehicles that were not originally designed or certified for it until all compatibility, consumer safety and state-specific concerns are comprehensively addressed.

The resolution acknowledged that reducing crude oil dependency, strengthening energy security and promoting eco-friendly fuels are important national objectives. However, it emphasised that such policies must be implemented transparently, scientifically and with due sensitivity towards citizens and state governments.

The House noted that millions of vehicles across the country, including a large number in Punjab, were manufactured before E-20-compatible engines became standard. It observed that the mandatory use of E-20 raises concerns regarding engine compatibility, accelerated wear and tear of fuel system components, reduced fuel efficiency and mileage, increased maintenance costs, warranty disputes and a decline in the resale value of vehicles.

The resolution further stated, “The resulting economic burden is likely to fall most heavily on middle-class families, farmers, transporters, small business owners, employees, students and daily commuters.”

The House also observed that the implementation target for E-20 was advanced by five years from the original 2030 schedule, leaving vehicle manufacturers, citizens and farmers with inadequate time to prepare for the transition.

Expressing concern over the wider economic impact, the resolution stated, “Higher operational and transportation costs could increase agricultural expenses and the freight costs of essential commodities, placing an additional financial burden on ordinary citizens.” It maintained that consumers should not be compelled to use any fuel until its impact on mileage, engine life, maintenance requirements and total cost of ownership is made fully transparent through independent scientific evaluation.

Highlighting Punjab’s significant contribution to national food security alongside the state’s environmental and groundwater challenges, the House asserted, “Punjab has every right to meaningful consultation before the rollout of policies carrying far-reaching economic and environmental implications.”

Accordingly, the Punjab Vidhan Sabha urged the Central Government to review and suspend the mandatory nationwide implementation of E-20 petrol for vehicles not originally designed or certified for it until all compatibility, consumer safety and state-specific concerns are addressed.

The resolution further urged the Centre to provide consumers with the option of choosing between ethanol-free petrol and E-20 petrol. It also called for a fair adjustment in the retail price of E-20 to account for its comparatively lower calorific value and fuel efficiency.

The House recommended the constitution of an independent committee comprising automotive engineers, petroleum experts, environmental scientists, consumer organisations and representatives of state governments to evaluate and publicly share its findings on the technical and financial implications of E-20 implementation.

Additionally, the resolution urged the Central Government to make all scientific and technical data related to E-20 publicly available, establish a fair compensation mechanism for consumers who suffer financial or mechanical losses, and forward copies of the resolution to the President of India, the Prime Minister, the concerned Union Ministers and the Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog.

Reaffirming Punjab’s commitment to energy security, environmental sustainability and technological advancement, the House concluded that these objectives must be pursued in a manner that safeguards consumer interests, upholds the federal spirit of the Constitution and protects citizens from avoidable financial and mechanical burdens.

*The Punjab Vidhan Sabha Resolves that:*

1. The Government of India be urged to review and suspend the compulsory nationwide rollout of E-20 petrol for vehicles not originally designed or certified for E-20 fuel until all concerns relating to vehicle compatibility, consumer protection, scientific evaluation and State-specific impacts are comprehensively addressed.

2. ⁠Consumers should be given the option to choose between ethanol-free petrol and E-20 petrol, and owners of vehicles not originally designed or certified for E-20 fuel should not be compelled, directly or indirectly, to use E-20 until their vehicles are demonstrably certified as fully compatible with higher ethanol blends.

3. The Union Government should ensure that the retail price of E-20 petrol appropriately reflects its comparatively lower calorific value and reduced fuel efficiency so that consumers are not required to pay the same price for a fuel delivering lower mileage and usable energy.

4. ⁠The Union Government should constitute an independent committee comprising automobile engineers, petroleum experts, environmental scientists, consumer organisations and representatives of State Governments to undertake a comprehensive assessment of vehicle compatibility, fuel efficiency, maintenance costs, consumer financial impact, environmental implications and State-specific concerns, and place its findings in the public domain.

5. The Union Government should publish all scientific, engineering and economic studies, technical evaluations and data relating to E-20’s impact on engine performance, mileage, emissions, maintenance costs, consumer safety and the overall cost of ownership, in the interest of complete transparency.

6. If any financial loss or mechanical damage is established to have resulted from the compulsory use of E-20 fuel in vehicles not originally designed for such blends, an appropriate consumer compensation mechanism should be instituted.

7. A copy of this Resolution be forwarded to the President of India, the Prime Minister of India, the Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas, the Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, the Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and the Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog, for appropriate consideration.

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*Cabinet Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh Backs Resolution on E20 Blended Petrol in Punjab Legislative Assembly*

*Punjab not opposed to E20; calls for phased implementation and consumer choice*

*Nearly 300 million pre-April 2023 vehicles may face engine compatibility issues, says Minister*

*Seeks continued availability of E10 petrol alongside E20 besides reduction in the price of blended fuel*

Chandigarh, August 4:Punjab Cabinet Minister for Jails, NRI Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. Ravjot Singh, today strongly supported the resolution on E20 (20 per cent ethanol-blended) petrol in the Punjab Legislative Assembly, asserting that the Punjab Government is not opposed to ethanol blending as a policy, but is seeking its phased implementation along with adequate consumer safeguards and the continued availability of fuel choices.

Participating in the discussion on the resolution, Dr. Ravjot Singh said that the Government of India’s National Biofuel Policy envisaged a gradual increase in ethanol blending up to 20 per cent by 2030. However, he expressed concern over the accelerated implementation of the policy, stating that such a significant transition should be backed by adequate preparedness, technical compatibility and sufficient options for consumers.

Highlighting the technical aspects of ethanol-blended fuel, the Cabinet Minister said that ethanol possesses a lower calorific value than conventional petrol, resulting in comparatively lower fuel efficiency and increased fuel consumption to deliver the same level of performance. He further pointed out that ethanol is hygroscopic in nature, enabling it to absorb moisture from the atmosphere, which could adversely affect engines, fuel tanks, fuel lines and rubber components, particularly in vehicles that remain unused for prolonged periods.

Dr. Ravjot Singh informed the House that nearly 300 million vehicles manufactured before April 2023, including around 220 million two-wheelers and 80 million four-wheelers, were not designed to be E20-compliant. He stressed that the Government of India must clearly address concerns regarding potential damage to such vehicles and fix accountability in case consumers suffer losses.

Drawing attention to environmental concerns, the Cabinet Minister said that ethanol production requires substantial quantities of water, particularly when derived from crops such as sugarcane, paddy and maize. He emphasized that the long-term implications for water resources, agriculture and environmental sustainability must be carefully evaluated before large-scale implementation.

He further observed that while oil marketing companies, ethanol producers and the government may benefit from the existing policy framework, ordinary consumers could be left to bear higher operating costs, reduced fuel efficiency and possible maintenance expenses.

Dr. Ravjot Singh reiterated that Punjab’s primary demand is not the withdrawal of E20, but the provision of consumer choice. He urged the Government of India to ensure that conventional petrol (E10) continues to remain available alongside E20, as is the practice in several countries where consumers are free to choose from different ethanol-blended fuel options according to their vehicle specifications.

The Cabinet Minister also demanded that E20 blended petrol should be priced lower than conventional petrol to offset its comparatively lower energy efficiency and to prevent any additional financial burden on consumers.

Concluding his address, Dr. Ravjot Singh urged that the resolution adopted by the Punjab Legislative Assembly be forwarded to the Government of India for a comprehensive review of the E20 policy in the larger public interest. He also appreciated Punjab Finance Minister S. Harpal Singh Cheema for initiating the discussion on an issue that directly affects millions of vehicle owners and has far-reaching economic, environmental and consumer implications.

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*E20 LIKE DEMONETISATION; BIG CLAIMS, NO PROOF, SAYS AMAN ARORA*

*•Punjab Industries Minister questions E20 rush as US still at 10% since 1970s*

*• Why were stakeholders ignored? Who will pay for damage to millions of vehicles?" Aman Arora questions Centre*

CHANDIGARH, AUGUST 4:Punjab Industries and Commerce Minister and state president of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Mr. Aman Arora launched a blistering attack on BJP led Union Government over the unexplained urgency behind the forced rollout of 20% ethanol blending in petrol, while asking why stakeholders were ignored and who will pay for the damage to millions of vehicles?

While participating in the House discussion on official resolution on E20, Mr. Aman Arora drew parallels to Modi led Centre Government’s 2016 demonetisation drive, stating that lofty justifications were given at the time, but the ground reality remained unchanged. "The Central Government claims E20 will reduce the import bill, benefit farmers and save water, yet they have not placed a single scientific report before the public to substantiate these claims," he asserted.

Questioning the urgency behind the E20 implementation, Mr. Aman Arora asked, "The US started blending in the 1970s and is still at 10%. Canada, the EU, Australia and even China began in the early 2000s and are at 5 to 10%. If these advanced economies haven't rushed, why is India jumping straight to 20% without any groundwork?"

Flagging serious technical concerns, Mr. Aman Arora said that 29 car companies had privately told AAP National Convenor Sh. Arvind Kejriwal that vehicles made before 2023 are not E20 compatible.

"This will drastically cut mileage, damage engines, seize vital components and destroy resale value," he warned, while demanding a proper discussion on E20 instead of the Centre's "bulldozer” approach.

Mr. Aman Arora cited that centre government’s NITI Aayog’s ‘Roadmap for Ethanol Blending in India 2020-25’ had flagged 5 major risks including food security for nearly 150 crore people, groundwater depletion, lack of distillation and logistics capacity and regional food stock imbalances.

"You cannot justify forced ethanol blending by pointing to surplus paddy in Punjab. That is not a solution, it is a deflection. The real answer is crop diversification,” he said.

Instead of forcing E20, Mr. Arora called for a paradigm shift in farm policy, demanding MSP on all 23 notified crops including pulses, oilseeds, mustard and groundnut.

He further shared that India imports edible oils and pulses worth nearly Rs 2 lakh crore every year. If Punjab’s agriculture diversifies to these crops, it will save the depleting groundwater and slash the country’s import bill dramatically.

He urged the Centre Government to hold a transparent, consultative process and to respect dissent before imposing any policy that affects citizens.

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*Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan Interacts With School Students; Urges Them To Understand Politics And Set Clear Life Goals*

*MLAs Manwinder Singh Giaspura, and Jaswant Singh Gajjan Majra were also present during the interactive session*

*Speaker rewards West Point School students Hargunreet Kaur and Ramanpreet Kaur*

Chandigarh, 4 August 2026:Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan today hosted an interactive session with school students inside the Punjab Vidhan Sabha complex. The delegation included students from West Point School, Sandhwan, district Faridkot. The main objective of the invitation of school students were to generate interest among the youth regarding the legislative process and active participation in politics. MLAs Manwinder Singh Giaspura, and Jaswant Singh Gajjan Majra were also present on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, Speaker Sandhwan emphasized the importance of understanding the political system early in life. He stated that the Punjab Vidhan Sabha is the sacred place where laws are formulated for the welfare of the state. The students expressed immense delight after witnessing the live legislative discussions.

During a question-and-answer session, the Speaker counselled the students against the practice of rote learning. He advised them never to cram the subject matter, but to always understand the core concepts thoroughly before responding.

Inquiring about the career aims of the visiting students, Speaker Sandhwan shared valuable life lessons for success. He urged them to set their targets as early as possible and perform dedicated hard work during their school days to ensure a prosperous, king-like future. He also warned them against greed, advising them to focus on becoming good human beings above all else.

During the event, Speaker Sandhwan presented rewards to two outstanding students, Hargunreet Kaur and Ramanpreet Kaur, from West Point School, Sandhwan.

Speaker Sandhwan raised leading issues such as E20 Blended Petrol which is creating problem in our cars. Speaker noted that ethanol blends badly impact vehicles because current automobile engines are not fully compatible with them. Expressing strong opposition to forced selling, he emphasized that consumers are unfairly being forced to purchase E20 blended petrol. He advised the students to actively participate in school activities and do hard work in their life to achieve goals of their life.

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HOUSE TO HOUSE ENUMERATION PHASE OF SIR-2026

25^TH JUNE 2026 TO 3^RD AUGUST 2026

Punjab successfully completes House‑to‑House Enumeration Phase Under SIR 2026 – Anindita Mitra, Chief Electoral Officer Punjab

CEO Expresses gratitude to the election machinery, especially BLOs, Citizens for their cooperation and enthusiastic participation, political parties for their support and the media for creating awareness about the entire process of SIR.

Electoral Roll of 2,14,61,043 Electors verified and purified through removal of votes of Dead voters, Duplicate Entries, Permanently Shifted Persons and Absent persons.

Process of Physical Verification of polling booths and Rationalization of Polling Stations conducted.

Number of Polling Booths increased from 24,453 to 25,332 for greater voter access

Chandigarh, 04 August 2026: The House-to-House Enumeration phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2026 has been successfully completed across all 23 districts and 117 Assembly Constituencies in Punjab. This marks a significant milestone in ensuring the inclusion of all eligible genuine electors, the removal of ineligible entries, and the promotion of complete transparency in the electoral process.

The successful completion of this phase was made possible through the dedicated efforts of 23 District Election Officers (DEOs), 117 Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), 234 Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs), 2501 Supervisors, and 24,453 Booth Level Officers (BLOs) working under the overall electoral framework of the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab. Valuable support was also extended by representatives of all recognised political parties, especially the 87966 Booth Level Agents (BLAs) appointed by them.

During the House-to-House Enumeration exercise, the BLOs visited the residences at recorded addresses of 2,14,61,043 electors whose names stood reflected in the electoral roll as on 9^th June 2026, to distribute Enumeration Forms. Thereafter, they made at least three repeat visits to collect the filled forms. For electors unavailable during visits, intimation stickers were affixed at their residences to ensure that no eligible voter was left out in order to ensure that no genuine eligible elector is left out of the draft electoral roll.

A month‑long SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation) plan was implemented using multi‑channel outreach. Key initiatives included the symbolic launch of SIR 2026 on 23 June, where over 2,000 youth formed a human chain, SMS alerts on key dates, radio jingles, audio messages through e‑rickshaws, and BLO field announcements. Electoral Literacy Clubs engaged citizens through poster‑making, debates, seminars, and rangoli competitions, while IEC material was displayed at banks and social media campaigns featured SVEEP icons and eminent personalities. Help Desks were set up at DEO/ERO offices, and senior officials conducted continuous field visits to ensure smooth and inclusive execution.

To further ensure maximum outreach to genuine electors, special camps were also organised across all 117 Assembly Constituencies at polling booths on 7 June, 11–12 July, and 19 July 2026. These camps provided additional opportunities for electors to submit their forms and verify their details. It is pertinent to mention that all BLOs were relieved from duties in their parent departments, from 25^th June to 24^th July, in order to maximise efforts of the election machinery.

As of 9 June 2026, Punjab had 2,14,61,043 registered electors. Of these, over 1,93,94,408 citizens actively participated by submitting their Enumeration Forms by 3 August 2026. The total number of uncollectable forms(ASDD – Absent/Shifted/Dead/Duplicate) stands at 20,66,635, accounting for 9.63% of total electors. These include:

• Death: [5,74,568, 2.68%]
• Untraceable/Absent: [4,12,715, 1.92%]
• Permanently Shifted: [9,44,131, 4.40%]
• Already Enrolled : [1,19,145, 0.56%]

District wise figures