A Day Prior to National Townhall on e20 AAP Leaders Call on Goans to participate

Goa Khabar:Addressing the press from outside Panaji’s Heera Petrol pump, AAP Goa State President Valmiki Naik, along with other AAP leaders, urged the people of Goa to join the National Townhall Against Forced E20 Fuel on 1 August, which will be led by AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal along with a panel of experts. AAP leaders stated that at a time when vehicle owners across the country are facing reduced mileage and costly vehicle damage due to the forced rollout of E20 petrol, it is crucial for the public to come forward, raise their concerns and demand an end to the policy.

AAP leaders appealed to people to participate in the National Townhall by sending a WhatsApp message to 8588833212, after which they will receive the participation link.

AAP Goa leaders have been meeting motorists across the length & breadth of Goa. Whether Canacona or Panaji, whether vehicle owner, motorcycle pilot or mechanic, Goans complained of reduced mileage, rising repair costs and repeated engine-related problems after the introduction of E20 fuel. Many also expressed that consumers should be given a choice between pure petrol and E20 petrol.

Valmiki added that motorists and car owners reported issues such as engine freezing, float pin damage, fuel tank corrosion and leakage, resulting in expensive and recurring repairs that ordinary people are forced to bear. He also pointed out that motorcycle pilots in Margao complained that reduced mileage has severely affected their earnings, with many struggling to sustain their livelihoods because of increased fuel consumption and frequent vehicle repairs.

Valmiki Naik stated that the issue is affecting vehicle owners across the country while the Government has shown no intention of addressing their concerns. He said it is therefore important for the public to come forward and voice the problems they are facing. He further stated that the Government is so threatened by the issue that it has even discouraged vehicle manufacturers from giving consumers any written assurance regarding whether E20 fuel causes damage to vehicles.

AAP Goa State President Valmiki Naik stated that on 1 August, people from across India will participate in the National Townhall both online and offline to raise their concerns over the forced rollout of E20 petrol. He stated that after receiving an overwhelming public response, the Delhi Police attempted to disrupt the event by preventing the use of the Constitution Club, where the programme was scheduled to be held, and by creating obstacles for the organisers and for the party.

AAP Goa Vice President Manuel Cardoso stated that the Government introduced E20 petrol without giving consumers any option to choose between pure petrol and E20 fuel. He said this has become a serious concern for many Goans, particularly those whose vehicles were purchased before 2023 and are not fully compatible with E20 fuel. He pointed out that countries such as Brazil provide consumers with a choice of fuels and sell ethanol-blended fuel at a lower price, whereas the BJP Government has forced E20 petrol upon people while making them bear the additional financial burden.

AAP Goa Vice President Sunil Signapurkar appealed to every Goan to join the National Townhall, stating that it has been several months since the Government began forcing E20 petrol on consumers and many people are still unaware that they are filling E20 fuel in their vehicles. He said that if people unite and raise their voices together, the Government will be compelled to address the issue, provide consumers with a genuine choice and put an end to the forced rollout of E20 petrol.

AAP leaders reiterated their appeal to every Goan to participate in the National Townhall on 1 August by sending a WhatsApp message to 8588833212 and joining the nationwide movement against the forced implementation of E20 petrol.