Gadkari Dares Critics to Show Damaged Vehicles Due to Ethanol Blending
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has challenged anyone to provide evidence of vehicles being damaged due to ethanol blending in petrol, saying millions of vehicles have been running on it since 2022 without complaints. Speaking at the Bihar Investor Summit 2026, Gadkari said the Centre's ethanol-blending programme was designed not only to reduce dependence on conventional fuel but also to create a new market for agricultural produce.
Gadkari claimed that about 4 crore four-wheelers and 20 crore two-wheelers have been running on petrol blended with ethanol since 2022, and major automobile manufacturers had tested vehicles using higher ethanol blends, including 100% ethanol. He also cited examples of efforts to develop alternative fuels, including aviation fuel made using agricultural waste.
Gadkari linked ethanol production to higher farm incomes, saying the use of corn for ethanol had generated additional earnings of up to Rs 45,000 crore for farmers in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. He emphasized the need for innovation, technology, and research to drive growth and praised Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary's leadership.