Aditya Thackeray urges Modi to rethink mandatory ethanol blend in petrol

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Maharashtra legislator Aditya Thackeray wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking for a review of the mandatory ethanol‑fuel mixing policy. He cited concerns from millions of vehicle owners, especially youth and the middle class, that higher ethanol content reduces mileage and performance, as most vehicles are not designed for such blends. Thackeray also highlighted the water‑intensive nature of sugarcane cultivation for ethanol production amid water‑scarcity issues, and questioned whether the policy favours certain companies. He called for giving consumers the option to choose pure petrol or ethanol‑mixed fuel, arguing that choice would protect consumer rights and restore confidence in government policies.