Gadkari Defends E20 Fuel: Calls Criticism Misguided, Pushes for Self-Reliant India
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has pushed back strongly against the rising criticism of the new E20 fuel blend, calling the negative social media campaign a result of misinformation — possibly driven by traditional fuel industry lobbies uncomfortable with change.
The E20 fuel blend, containing 20% ethanol and 80% petrol, has been gradually introduced into the Indian market. While vehicles manufactured from April 2025 are being tuned to use E20, older vehicle owners have voiced fears that the new fuel could damage engines and increase maintenance costs.
Gadkari addressed these concerns head-on, stating that comprehensive testing by India's automotive research bodies has shown no evidence of any such damage. “Older vehicles were tested over a distance of one lakh kilometers using E20 fuel, and there were no mechanical issues. The idea that E20 damages engines is baseless,” he said.
He went on to suggest that much of the online outrage may be orchestrated by vested interests — particularly those who benefit from India’s heavy dependence on fossil fuels. “There are people behind the scenes, dialing numbers, feeding content to be posted online. This seems like a deliberate misinformation campaign. It could be politically motivated too. Sadly, such things are not uncommon in our system,” he remarked.
Gadkari emphasized that transitioning to ethanol-based fuel is vital for the country’s energy security and environmental health. He explained that E20 helps reduce the massive oil import bill — which currently stands at ₹22 lakh crore annually — while also providing a cleaner alternative to petrol and supporting Indian farmers.
“Ethanol is produced from crops like sugarcane, rice, and maize. By promoting biofuels, we’re giving our farmers better income opportunities. This is not just about fuel — it’s about reducing pollution, helping the agricultural sector, and cutting down our import dependence,” he said.
When asked about claims that he personally benefits from ethanol promotion due to his family’s involvement in sugar businesses, Gadkari didn’t hold back. “This is pure nonsense. The companies associated with my family are running at an annual loss of ₹30 crore. They produce only about 1.3 lakh litres of ethanol — a drop in the ocean compared to national consumption. Despite suggestions to shut them down, I continue to support them because of my passion, not profit.”
He further defended his broader advocacy for alternative fuels. “If I promote electric vehicles or hydrogen engines, does that mean I manufacture them too? I believe in these technologies because they reduce imports, improve air quality, and support the Prime Minister’s vision of a self-reliant India.”
Gadkari also reminded the audience that India’s ethanol journey began over two decades ago. “This started in 2001 when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was Prime Minister. I was part of a delegation that went to Brazil to study ethanol fuel. So, it’s absurd to claim this is some personal agenda.”
While acknowledging that E20 may reduce mileage slightly — by around 5-6% — he argued that the economic and environmental benefits far outweigh this minor drawback.
In his closing remarks, Gadkari urged citizens not to fall for fear-driven narratives and look at the bigger picture. “Ethanol is not just about engines and mileage. It’s about national interest. It helps our farmers, cuts pollution, and reduces our dependence on foreign oil. That’s the future we should be aiming for.”
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