Police block AAP march to PM residence over E20 fuel

A political protest against India's national rollout of E20 ethanol-blended petrol escalated in New Delhi on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, as opposition leader Arvind Kejriwal and other Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders were stopped by police while attempting to march to the Prime Minister's residence. The demonstrators were carrying petitions signed by more than 230,000 citizens demanding a review of the policy or the restoration of consumer choice at fuel stations.

Kejriwal, along with senior party leaders including Manish Sisodia, led a group of about 100 supporters before being halted by police on Firoz Shah Road. Authorities stated that no permission had been granted for the march toward the high-security zone around the Prime Minister's residence, citing prohibitory orders. The AAP leaders subsequently staged a sit-in protest on the road. The protest coincided with a separate demonstration by Delhi-based transport associations, which marched toward Parliament to voice similar grievances about reduced mileage and increased maintenance costs allegedly linked to E20 fuel.

The controversy centers on the government's policy to make E20, a blend of 80% petrol and 20% ethanol largely...