After Paper Leak Protest, Delhi Taxi Unions Announce Parliament March Against E20 Fuel

New Delhi: Amidst the ongoing student movement in New Delhi over the paper leak, preparations have started for a major protest against E20 (20 percent ethanol mixed petrol). Delhi Taxi and Tourist Transporters and Tour Operators Association has announced a Parliament march on 4th August. The organisation says that due to E20 fuel policy, various rules applicable to commercial vehicles and increasing operating expenses, the taxi and transport business across the country is being negatively impacted. The association claims that this movement will be completely non-political and thousands of drivers and transporters from different states can join it.

Why is there opposition to E20 petrol?

The association alleges that the use of E20 petrol has reduced the mileage of many vehicles and increased the cost of engine maintenance. Sanjay Samrat, president of the organisation, says most vehicles manufactured before 2015 were not designed for 20 percent ethanol blended petrol. Technical problems are arising due to the use of this fuel in such vehicles. His question is that when consumers are paying the full price of petrol then why are they being given a fuel which is not suitable for all vehicles.

Why has the demand for scientific review been raised?

The taxi union has demanded the central government to conduct an independent and impartial scientific review of the E20 policy. He says that vehicle manufacturing companies, technical experts, consumer organisations and vehicle owners should also be involved in this process so that the actual impact of the policy can be assessed. The organisation believes that any policy implemented without a comprehensive study could impact millions of vehicle owners.

Which other issues will also be raised in the Parliament march?

The association is not only opposing E20 petrol. The organisation has also raised questions on the speed limit of 80 kmph on commercial vehicles with All India Tourist Permit (AITP). He says that on modern expressways and highways, private vehicles are allowed higher speeds, while strict limits are imposed on commercial taxis and tourist vehicles, which is affecting business. Apart from this, demands like vehicle scrappage policy, ban on BS-IV diesel vehicles, relief in toll tax and independent investigation of the system of panic button and vehicle location tracking device (VLTD) will also be part of the movement.

What are the preparations for the Parliament march on 4th August?

The association has appealed to taxi, cab and truck unions across the country to join this demonstration. The organisation says that the Parliament march will be peaceful and its objective is to convey the problems of the transport sector to the government. No political party flag or platform will be used during the demonstration. The organisation hopes that a large number of drivers and transport businessmen will participate in this march.