Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has described the social media drive opposing E20 ethanol blending as a “sponsored campaign” aimed at discrediting him politically.
Speaking at the annual convention of the Society of Automobile Manufacturers, Gadkari was questioned on industry concerns about ethanol-petrol blending. He asserted that both automobile companies and the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) have already provided scientific evidence supporting ethanol use.
“The campaign was paid for, it had no basis in facts. Ethanol blending is economical, reduces pollution, cuts imports, and is made in India,” Gadkari said.
Highlighting India’s heavy expenditure on crude oil imports, the minister argued that reducing reliance on fossil fuels would strengthen the domestic economy. “We are producing ethanol from maize. Farmers have benefitted by nearly ₹45,000 crore because of this initiative,” he added.
On the environmental front, Gadkari pointed out that unchecked air pollution could cost Delhi residents up to 10 years of life expectancy, stressing the urgency of adopting cleaner fuels.
E20 petrol, a mixture of 80% petrol and 20% ethanol, has been promoted by the government as a crucial step toward cutting carbon emissions and fossil fuel imports. However, many vehicle owners claim the fuel reduces mileage, increases maintenance costs, and shortens engine life.
Countering these concerns, the government has maintained that such claims are exaggerated. Officials note that fuel efficiency depends on several factors including driving behavior, timely servicing, tyre pressure, alignment, and air-conditioning use.
According to the government, E20 not only offers lower carbon emissions but also improves acceleration and ride quality. “Vehicles optimized for E20 show better performance in city traffic, while ethanol’s cooling effect boosts engine efficiency,” it said in a statement.
Rejecting calls to revert to conventional petrol, the government emphasized that doing so would undermine progress made in curbing pollution and advancing India’s clean energy transition.
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