Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Sep 2: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday assured the Goa Assembly that the government would verify complaints and conduct tests on E20 petrol if consumers raise concerns over its quality or its impact on vehicles.

Sawant, who also holds the Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs portfolio, said no complaints had been received from consumers regarding E20 petrol so far. However, he assured that the Civil Supplies Department would examine any complaints and take appropriate action.

“There are no complaints so far. However, if there are any, I will direct the Civil Supplies Department to verify them. We will monitor the situation and take appropriate action. We will get the fuel tested,” Sawant said while replying to a calling attention motion moved by MLAs Venzy Viegas, Vijai Sardesai and Cruz Silva.

The legislators had raised concerns over the use of E20 petrol, particularly in older vehicles, and its possible impact on their performance.

Sawant said E20 petrol was introduced in Goa in 2025 and is currently available through 157 retail outlets operated by three oil marketing companies.

He said the Civil Supplies Department had not received any representation from consumers, automobile associations, transport operators or garages regarding the fuel.

According to the Chief Minister, laboratory studies and field trials conducted by agencies including the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), Indian Oil Corporation and automobile manufacturers had found E20 petrol to be safe when used according to prescribed standards.

He further said studies had not found significant changes in the performance of legacy vehicles or abnormal wear and tear attributable to E20 petrol.

However, Opposition leader Vijai Sardesai demanded that consumers be given the option to choose between E10 and E20 petrol.

“E10 and E20 petrol should be offered as a choice to consumers. We must pass a resolution in this regard, as common people are facing difficulties due to the mandatory use of E20 petrol,” Sardesai said.

MLA Viresh Borkar also called for a proper assessment before making E20 mandatory.

“The government should first assess its impact and conduct thorough testing before implementing it,” he said.

Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, supporting the concerns raised during the discussion, termed E20 unsafe for older vehicles and claimed that its use had resulted in reduced mileage.

“There has to be a choice for owners of vehicles purchased before the introduction of E20. It is not in the interest of the State or the country,” Alemao said.