Gadkari Rejects Concerns Over Ethanol-Blended Petrol Citing Vehicle Data

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari defended the government's ethanol-blended petrol program, dismissing concerns that it could damage vehicles. Speaking at the Bihar Investor Summit 2026, Gadkari pointed out that over four crore four-wheelers and twenty crore two-wheelers have been operating on ethanol-blended petrol since 2022.

Gadkari cited data from major automobile manufacturers who tested vehicles using higher ethanol blends, including those capable of running entirely on ethanol. He questioned the validity of concerns about vehicle damage, asking critics to provide evidence of affected vehicles.

The minister emphasized that the ethanol-blending program is part of a broader effort to reduce India's reliance on conventional fuels and create new markets for agricultural products. Gadkari noted that ethanol production has generated additional earnings for farmers in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, with up to ₹45,000 crore in revenue from corn-based ethanol.