Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has strongly defended the Centre's ethanol-blending programme, E20 fuel, dismissing allegations that it damages vehicle engines or impacts mileage. Speaking in an exclusive interview, Gadkari alleged attempts to "defame" both him and the ethanol initiative, reiterating his long-standing advocacy for alternative fuels.
Reducing Import Dependence and Empowering Farmers
Gadkari highlighted that his push for alternative fuels, including ethanol, dates back to 2004. He emphasized that the primary objective is to reduce India's substantial reliance on imported fossil fuels, which currently cost approximately Rs 22 lakh crore annually and meet around 87 percent of the nation's energy requirements.
"The objective is to make India self-reliant, reduce imports, create jobs for youth and ensure farmers become not just food providers but also energy providers, fuel providers, aviation fuel providers and vitamin providers," Gadkari stated.
He clarified that while decisions regarding ethanol blending fall under the Petroleum Ministry, his ministry is responsible for setting automobile engine standards and regulations.
Dismissing Vehicle Damage Claims
Addressing critics who claim E20 fuel harms vehicles, Gadkari challenged them to provide concrete evidence. "Can you name even two people whose petrol vehicles were damaged because of ethanol?" he questioned. He pointed out that major automakers like Maruti Suzuki, Toyota, Tata Motors, and Mahindra, which collectively hold a significant market share, have not reported a single complaint linking ethanol-blended fuel to engine damage.
Gadkari urged anyone experiencing vehicle damage attributed to ethanol to file complaints with both their dealer and the ministry, assuring that investigations would be conducted and relief provided. He also noted that ethanol is widely used in numerous countries, including the US, Brazil, Japan, Germany, Thailand, and Sweden, indicating that India's ethanol blending program aligns with established global practices.
Addressing Personal Benefit Allegations
Responding to accusations that he personally benefits from the ethanol policy due to his family's sugar business, Gadkari dismissed the claims as baseless. He explained that his sugar factory was established before the ethanol program began, and it is now managed by his sons. Gadkari noted that India procures around 1,500 crore litres of ethanol annually from approximately 550 producers. "Our share is just 0.07 percent. It is negligible. There is no question of us benefiting from the ethanol policy," he concluded.