Tehseen Poonawalla announces protest against E20 fuel policy, calls for ‘Gaadi March’ in Delhi

Team Bharat founder Tehseen Poonawalla says that the E20 fuel policy in India is one of the worst policies that were implemented in India by the government during the past years. The announcement comes after growing concerns among motorists over reduced fuel efficiency and higher maintenance costs following the nationwide rollout of E20 petrol.

A recent LocalCircles survey revealed that six out of 10 petrol car owners built before 2023 had noticed a decline of over 10% in their car’s fuel economy since early 2025. Also, 45% indicated that their engines had suffered greater wear, such as engine, fuel pump, injector and fuel system problems.

If the policy could be tweaked appropriately, it is likely that consumers will be able to get unblended petrol at ₹80 per litre to ₹90 per litre, Poonawalla said. He has also appealed for the freedom for motorists as oppose to restricting them to E20.

Poonawalla has said that the “Gaadi March, Gandhi March” will be held in New Delhi on July 31, 2026, to push these demands. The march will start from India Gate, through Parliament Street and end near Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Hardeep Singh Puri’s offices and their residences.

Calling it a movement for consumer rights, Poonawalla urged people to participate with their cars and motorcycles under slogans such as “My Car, My Right” and “My Bike, My Choice.”

The campaign isn’t just meant for attention on fuel rates; but also to make the E20 policy transparent and to respond to concerns raised by the vehicle owners impacted by increased ethanol-based fuel, he said.