Ethanol Blending Row: Nitin Gadkari Challenges Critics, Asks 'Which Vehicle Faced Issues Due to E20 Petrol?'

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has strongly defended India's E20 ethanol-blended petrol programme, dismissing allegations that the fuel damages vehicle engines. Speaking at the 'Viksit Bharat Conclave' on Tuesday, Gadkari challenged critics to identify even a single vehicle that had developed problems because of ethanol-blended petrol.

The minister alleged that misinformation about E20 fuel is being spread through a "paid campaign" and reiterated that ethanol blending has helped India reduce fuel imports, cut carbon emissions, and improve farmers' incomes.

Gadkari Rejects Claims Against E20 Petrol

Responding to concerns over ethanol-blended fuel, Gadkari said there is no evidence that E20 petrol has caused damage to any vehicle.

According to the minister, several misleading claims regarding ethanol-blended petrol are being circulated despite the government's successful implementation of the programme.

India has already achieved its target of 20% ethanol blending in petrol, with ethanol produced from agricultural feedstocks such as sugarcane, maize, and surplus rice.

India Spending ₹22 Lakh Crore on Fuel Imports

Highlighting the importance of alternative fuels, Gadkari said India's dependence on imported fossil fuels continues to place a heavy burden on the economy.

According to him:

India spends nearly ₹22 lakh crore every year on importing petroleum products.

Reducing fuel imports is essential for strengthening the economy.

Cleaner fuels such as ethanol also help lower carbon emissions and support environmental sustainability.

He emphasized that expanding the use of biofuels is a key step toward achieving energy security and sustainable development.

No Fuel Choice Like Brazil

Gadkari also compared India's fuel market with Brazil, where consumers can select between different fuel blends depending on pricing.

He noted that Brazil offers price incentives for fuels with higher ethanol content, allowing customers to select fuel based on both cost and preference.

In India, however, consumers currently do not have the option to select between multiple ethanol blend levels at fuel stations.

Gadkari Responds to Allegations Over Family Businesses

Addressing allegations regarding his family's involvement in ethanol production, Gadkari clarified that although members of his family own sugar mills, their businesses are not dependent on ethanol production.

He further stated that India currently has surplus ethanol production capacity.

Maize-Based Ethanol Boosting Farmers' Income

The minister highlighted the economic benefits of ethanol production from maize.

According to Gadkari:

Maize-based ethanol has generated approximately ₹45,000 crore in additional income for farmers in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

The market price of maize has increased significantly from around ₹1,200 per quintal to nearly ₹2,800 per quintal, improving farm profitability.

He said the ethanol blending programme has created new opportunities for agricultural producers while reducing India's dependence on imported crude oil.

E20 Petrol Programme Continues to Expand

The government maintains that ethanol blending supports multiple national objectives, including:

Reducing crude oil imports

Lowering carbon emissions

Improving energy security

Increasing farmers' income

Promoting cleaner transportation

Despite criticism from some quarters, the government has reiterated that the E20 programme is backed by technical evaluations and continues to play a central role in India's clean energy transition.