Clarification regarding media reports on the proceedings before the Hon'ble Supreme Court in the BPCL’s Special Leave Petition on Ethanol allocation matter

**Executive Summary** This report clarifies the Union of India’s stance regarding the 20% Ethanol Blended Petrol (E20) Programme following incorrect media reports on Supreme Court proceedings dated 30 June 2026. The government denies labeling the national programme as an "experiment" and outlines legal steps to consolidate related litigations. Key actions include filing Transfer Petitions to the Supreme Court and maintaining the status quo for ethanol allocation for the 2025-26 Ethanol Supply Year. **Key Points / Main Content** **Correction of Media Misrepresentations** * The Office of the Attorney General refutes media claims that the E20 Programme was described as an "ongoing experiment" during court proceedings. * The government clarifies that no submission was made suggesting the policy’s impact would only become clear by next year. * Media reports are labeled as false and inconsistent with the actual submissions made on behalf of the Union of India. **Legal Strategy and Consolidation** * Multiple writ petitions concerning ethanol allocation to Dedicated Ethanol Plants are currently pending across various High Courts. * The government is filing Transfer Petitions to move these cases to the Supreme Court to ensure a uniform interpretation of the law. * Consolidation aims to prevent parallel proceedings, avoid conflicting judicial decisions, and enable the expeditious resolution of litigation. **National Policy and Operational Continuity** * The E20 Programme is affirmed as a critical national programme, not an experimental initiative. * The legal consolidation is intended to ensure that ethanol supplies to Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) are not disrupted, maintaining the 20% blending mandate throughout the year. **Supreme Court Directions** * The Supreme Court has acknowledged the proposal to file Transfer Petitions for related matters. * The Court ordered that status quo be maintained regarding ethanol allocation for the current 2025-26 Ethanol Supply Year. **Impact Analysis** **Media Organizations** **Impact:** Identified as having published inaccurate reports regarding judicial proceedings and significant national policy initiatives. **Action Required:** Must ensure judicial proceedings are reported with due accuracy and reflect actual court submissions. **Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) / BPCL** **Impact:** The litigation directly affects the contractual framework and the continuous supply of ethanol needed for the 20% blending mandate. **Action Required:** Adhere to the court-ordered status quo on ethanol allocation for the 2025-26 Ethanol Supply Year. **Dedicated Ethanol Plants** **Impact:** Entities involved in pending writ petitions across High Courts will see their cases consolidated under the Supreme Court's jurisdiction. **Action Required:** Prepare for legal proceedings to transition from High Courts to the Supreme Court following the filing of Transfer Petitions. **Union of India / Office of the Attorney General** **Impact:** Tasked with correcting public records and streamlining legal challenges against national policy to ensure administrative consistency. **Action Required:** Proceed with filing Transfer Petitions and monitoring compliance with the status quo order.

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