Nitin Gadkari has strongly defended the nationwide rollout of E20 petrol, challenging critics to identify even a single vehicle that has been damaged by using the 20% ethanol-blended fuel.
Speaking at the Viksit Bharat Conclave on Tuesday, Gadkari dismissed concerns about E20, saying there is no evidence that the fuel has caused mechanical problems in any vehicle. He accused opponents of spreading misinformation and claimed that campaigns against higher ethanol blending were driven by false narratives.
The minister said India has successfully achieved 20% ethanol blending in petrol as part of its strategy to reduce dependence on imported crude oil, lower carbon emissions, and strengthen energy security. He also highlighted that the country spends nearly ₹22 lakh crore annually on fuel imports, making alternative fuels an economic necessity.
Earlier in the day, Arvind Kejriwal questioned the government’s position, alleging that several automobile manufacturers’ owner manuals recommend ethanol blends of only up to 10%. He claimed that promoting E20 despite such guidance amounted to misleading consumers and accused the Centre of pressuring automakers to publicly endorse the fuel.
Gadkari also rejected allegations that his support for ethanol was linked to his family’s sugar business. He said his family’s companies are not dependent on ethanol production and argued that expanding ethanol manufacturing from crops such as corn has significantly increased farmers’ incomes, particularly in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is also considering amendments to vehicle emission norms to support the wider adoption of higher ethanol blends such as E85 and E100, alongside other alternative fuels.
Meanwhile, the debate over E20 has spilled onto social media, where memes and online criticism have targeted the government’s ethanol policy, reflecting growing public discussion over the fuel’s long-term impact on vehicles and consumers.
