New Delhi: Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has strongly defended the Centre’s ethanol blending programme, asserting that there is no evidence to support claims that E20 fuel has damaged vehicles. Addressing the Viksit Bharat Conclave in New Delhi on Tuesday, the minister challenged critics to identify even a single vehicle that had developed problems because of ethanol blended petrol, maintaining that no such case exists.
Backing the government’s E20 fuel policy, Gadkari described ethanol blending as a scientifically backed initiative that has generated significant economic and environmental benefits. He said the programme is an important step towards reducing India’s dependence on imported fossil fuels while strengthening the country’s long term energy security.
The minister stressed that expanding the use of biofuels would deliver multiple advantages. According to him, greater adoption of alternative fuels would help curb pollution, lower the country’s fuel import bill, create employment opportunities in rural areas and provide better income prospects for farmers. He added that biofuels play a key role in supporting sustainable economic growth alongside cleaner energy.
Gadkari’s remarks come amid an ongoing political debate over the government’s E20 ethanol blended petrol policy. Critics have questioned whether ethanol blended fuel could reduce vehicle mileage or affect compatibility with certain vehicles. Opposition leaders and some online commentators have also alleged that Gadkari’s support for ethanol blending could create a conflict of interest because of businesses linked to his family that are associated with the ethanol and sugar sector.
The Union minister has firmly rejected those allegations, describing them as politically motivated and part of a coordinated campaign against him. He reiterated that the ethanol blending programme is intended to benefit farmers, reduce fuel imports and cut pollution rather than serve private interests.
Reaffirming his stand, Gadkari said opponents of the policy have failed to produce any evidence that ethanol blended fuel has caused vehicle damage. He maintained that the government’s focus will remain on expanding the use of alternative biofuels to improve energy security, support rural livelihoods and promote cleaner transportation across the country.
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