Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari challenged critics of India’s E20 petrol program to identify any vehicle that has encountered issues due to the use of 20% ethanol-blended fuel. He dismissed concerns about reduced fuel efficiency as part of alleged “paid campaigns.” Speaking at the ‘Viksit Bharat Conclave’ in New Delhi, Gadkari emphasized that there is no evidence supporting claims that E20 petrol harms vehicles.
Defending the government’s ethanol blending initiative, Gadkari highlighted India’s significant economic and environmental challenge posed by its reliance on fossil fuels. He pointed out that the country’s annual expenditure of around Rs 22 lakh crore on fuel imports underscores the necessity of transitioning to cleaner energy sources to reduce import dependency and cut carbon emissions. Gadkari also mentioned that false narratives against higher ethanol-blended petrol are sponsored campaigns.
India has already met its goal of blending 20% ethanol with petrol. Ethanol, derived from biomass like sugarcane, corn, and rice, is being promoted as a more environmentally friendly fuel that can aid in decreasing crude oil imports and enhancing energy security. Addressing allegations linking his family’s business interests to the government’s ethanol policy, Gadkari clarified that although his family members own sugar factories, their companies are not reliant on ethanol production. He highlighted that this has resulted in an additional Rs 45,000 crore benefiting farmers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
