Name one car damaged by ethanol fuel: Nitin Gadkari dares E20 critics

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari defended the E20 petrol rollout and challenged critics to name any damaged car. His remarks came as concerns over mileage, older vehicles and a possible move beyond E20 intensified.

In Short

• Nitin Gadkari denies any vehicle damage from E20 ethanol-blended petrol
• India achieved 20% ethanol blending to reduce imports and support farmers
• Gadkari calls concerns false narratives and paid misinformation campaigns

As questions grow over the impact of ethanol-blended petrol on vehicle performance, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari challenged critics to identify a single car that has suffered damage because of E20 fuel, dismissing concerns as part of a "false narrative".

The remarks come amid a renewed debate over India's ethanol-blending programme after concerns were raised about reduced fuel efficiency, compatibility of older vehicles and the long-term impact of higher ethanol blends on engines.

India has already achieved its target of blending 20 per cent ethanol with petrol - known as E20 fuel - as part of its strategy to reduce crude oil imports, cut carbon emissions and support domestic agriculture.

Speaking at the Viksit Bharat Conclave on Tuesday, Gadkari defended the policy and rejected claims that E20 petrol has harmed vehicles.

“There is no case of any car facing issues due to E20 petrol. Has there been any car in the country that faced issues due to the use of E20 petrol? Just name one," he said.

The Road Transport and Highways Minister also alleged that misinformation was being spread about ethanol-blended fuel.

"False narratives are being spread about the roll-out of higher ethanol-blended petrol. These are paid campaigns," he said.

WHAT IS THE E20 DEBATE?

The government's ethanol-blending programme involves mixing ethanol - a biofuel produced from crops such as sugarcane, corn and rice - with petrol.

Supporters argue that the programme helps India reduce its dependence on imported crude oil, lowers emissions and creates an additional source of income for farmers.

Critics, however, have raised concerns about lower fuel economy and the compatibility of older vehicles that were not originally designed to run on higher ethanol blends.

The debate has intensified in recent weeks after discussions around vehicle performance and mileage losses linked to E20 fuel gained attention.

Unlike countries such as Brazil, where consumers can choose between different ethanol-petrol blends at fuel stations, Indian consumers currently do not have that option. E20 fuel has effectively become the standard petrol available across the country.

GADKARI DEFENDS ETHANOL PUSH

Gadkari argued that India's dependence on fossil fuels imposes a significant economic burden on the country.

According to the minister, India spends around Rs 22 lakh crore annually on fuel imports, making alternative fuels an economic and strategic necessity.

Responding to allegations that his support for ethanol is linked to businesses owned by his family members, Gadkari said his family-owned companies are not dependent on ethanol production.

He acknowledged that his family owns sugar factories but rejected suggestions that personal business interests influence government policy.

The minister also highlighted what he described as the economic benefits of ethanol production for farmers.

According to Gadkari, the decision to permit ethanol production from corn significantly boosted demand and prices for the crop.

"When we decided to make ethanol from corn, the corn's market price was Rs 1,200 per quintal and the MSP was Rs 1,800 per quintal. After the decision, corn's price went up to Rs 2,800 per quintal," he said.

He claimed the shift generated an additional Rs 45,000 crore in income for farmers in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

WHAT NEXT?

The government's immediate focus remains on the nationwide E20 programme, even as debate continues over its impact on vehicle performance and fuel efficiency.

Amid speculation about a future shift to E25 petrol, government sources have clarified that no decision has been taken on increasing ethanol blending beyond the current 20 per cent level. Officials have said any move towards E25 will be based on scientific studies and consultations with stakeholders.

The clarification comes amid heightened scrutiny of ethanol-blended fuel after recent discussions around mileage losses and concerns raised about the compatibility of some older vehicles with higher ethanol blends.

- Ends