An Indian consumer court has ordered Maruti Suzuki to provide a new car to a customer who alleged that India’s ethanol-blended E20 fuel caused damage to his vehicle. The ruling, termed a landmark decision, may set a precedent for other vehicle owners facing similar issues, as legal experts noted it could encourage more compensation claims.
The court’s decision followed a lawsuit by a doctor who claimed the E20 fuel—containing 20% ethanol—harmed his car. Maruti Suzuki is now required to either supply a replacement Grand Vitara SUV or pay 2 million Indian rupees (approximately US$20,800) in damages.
While Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government and automakers, including Maruti, have defended the E20 fuel policy as safe and environmentally beneficial, critics argue the rollout was rushed and left consumers without alternatives. The ruling underscores growing tensions over the program’s implementation and its potential impact on vehicle longevity.
