PANAJI: Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) Working President Sunil Kawthankar on Thursday demanded the immediate suspension of the implementation of E20 (20% ethanol-blended petrol) in Goa until an independent scientific, economic, and environmental study is completed.
Addressing a press conference, Kawthankar alleged that the E20 policy could reduce vehicle mileage, increase maintenance costs, and place an additional financial burden on consumers, particularly middle-class families, taxi operators, fishermen, delivery workers, and small businesses.
He also questioned why petrol prices had not been reduced despite the government's claim that ethanol is cheaper than petrol. Kawthankar further called for clarity on vehicle compatibility, insurance coverage for ethanol-related damage, and transparency regarding alleged business interests linked to the ethanol industry.
The Congress has demanded an independent expert committee to study the impact of E20 on vehicles, consumers, and Goa's environment before the policy is implemented across the state.
