Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has vehemently refuted allegations that ethanol-blended petrol causes damage to motor vehicles, issuing an open challenge to critics. Speaking at the 'Bihar Investor Summit 2026', Gadkari asserted that the policy is a vital step towards agricultural diversification and a significant boost to the rural economy.
Millions of Vehicles Operating Safely
During his address, Gadkari stated that since 2022, over 4 crore four-wheelers and 20 crore two-wheelers in India have been operating on petrol mixed with ethanol without any reported issues. He challenged anyone to present a single complaint of vehicle damage attributable to the fuel blend.
"I challenge anybody to come up with the complaint that his or her vehicle has suffered damage on this account. Of course, those with vested interests may have some other story to tell," Gadkari remarked, adding that leading automobile manufacturers have conducted tests with 100 percent ethanol, yielding zero complaints.
Economic Benefits and Agricultural Diversification
The minister underscored the policy's dual benefits: reducing India's reliance on costly conventional fuel imports and transforming the agricultural sector. He noted that expanding ethanol production, particularly from corn, has generated additional earnings of up to ₹45,000 crore for farmers in states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
Gadkari emphasized that the initiative aims to transition farmers from being solely 'anna data' (food producers) to also becoming 'urja data' (energy producers). This strategic shift is designed to serve the interests of domestic agriculture over foreign fuel imports, which currently amount to ₹22 lakh crore.
Addressing Opposition and Future Innovations
Gadkari attributed much of the opposition to the ethanol blending policy to commercial interests tied to traditional fuel imports, suggesting that those whose businesses might be affected are naturally resistant to change. He reiterated the government's commitment to energy independence and agricultural prosperity.
Beyond ethanol, Gadkari also touched upon broader innovations, such as producing aviation fuel from rice straw, highlighting a future where agriculture plays a central role in India's energy landscape. He also commented on Bihar's economic potential, citing international demand for local products like makhana and vast tourism opportunities, encouraging investment in the state.