Gadkari Stands Firm on Ethanol-Blended Petrol Amid Vehicle Damage Concerns

Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, continues to defend the use of ethanol-blended petrol in India. He claims that critics have no evidence to support their allegations that E20 fuel damages vehicles.

Gadkari stated that four crore four-wheelers and 20 crore two-wheelers have been running on petrol blended with ethanol since 2022, without any complaints of damage. He also mentioned that leading automobile manufacturers had tested vehicles running on even 100% ethanol without receiving any complaints.

The Minister highlighted the financial benefits of ethanol production for farmers, stating that the Centre's decision to promote ethanol production from corn has resulted in additional earnings of up to ₹45,000 crore for farmers in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. He also emphasized that the government is pursuing a long-term strategy focused on innovation and alternative fuels.