Union Minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari has strongly defended the government’s rollout of E20 petrol, challenging critics to identify a single vehicle that has experienced problems because of the 20% ethanol-blended fuel. Addressing the Viksit Bharat Conclave, Gadkari dismissed claims that E20 reduces vehicle performance or fuel efficiency, calling them “false narratives” driven by paid campaigns.
The minister said India has successfully achieved 20% ethanol blending in petrol using ethanol produced from biomass such as sugarcane, corn and rice. According to Gadkari, the initiative is a key step towards reducing the country’s dependence on imported crude oil, which currently costs India nearly ₹22 lakh crore annually, while also helping cut carbon emissions.
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Responding to allegations that his family’s businesses benefit from ethanol production, Gadkari clarified that although his family owns sugar factories, their businesses are not dependent on ethanol. He reiterated that the push for ethanol is aimed at strengthening India’s energy security rather than serving private interests.
Gadkari also highlighted the government’s broader clean mobility strategy, promoting electric, flex-fuel and hydrogen-powered vehicles. He revealed that he personally uses all three types of vehicles and encouraged people to experience the technology firsthand.
Calling hydrogen the next frontier in sustainable transport, he announced a pilot project in Nagpur under which hydrogen will be produced locally to power public buses. He also highlighted the rollout of hydrogen-powered trucks, signalling India’s growing focus on cleaner alternatives for heavy commercial transport.
