The Supreme Court on Monday declined to entertain a plea seeking mandatory disclosure of the exact ethanol content in petrol sold at fuel stations across India, while allowing the petitioner to approach the competent authority.
The petition, filed by advocate Narendra Kumar Goswami, did not challenge the government’s ethanol-blending policy. Instead, it sought greater transparency so motorists could know the precise composition of the petrol they purchase.
Plea sought ethanol details on fuel receipts
Goswami sought mandatory and uniform disclosure of ethanol content at petrol pumps. He also requested that the information be included on fuel invoices or receipts.
During the hearing, he argued that consumers should have the right to know the composition of petrol before purchasing it, drawing a comparison with ingredient information provided on packaged food products.
Supreme Court questions direct approach
A bench comprising Justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale questioned why the petitioner had approached the Supreme Court directly instead of first moving the High Court.
The bench also raised questions about his locus and enquired about his professional practice.
The court ultimately declined to entertain the petition and disposed of the matter, while giving Goswami the liberty to approach the competent authority.
Centre opposes disclosure plea
Attorney General R Venkataramani appeared for the Centre and opposed the petition.
The Attorney General referred to earlier Supreme Court proceedings concerning challenges to the government’s ethanol-blending policy, which had been dismissed.
Goswami maintained that his plea was different as he was not seeking to stop or invalidate ethanol blending. His demand was limited to providing consumers with information about the ethanol content of the fuel being sold.
Ethanol disclosure issue remains open
The Supreme Court’s order means petrol pumps are not currently required to disclose the exact ethanol content of fuel to consumers.
The issue has instead been left open for the petitioner to pursue before the competent authority, keeping the debate over fuel transparency and consumer information alive.