'Show One Vehicle With Issues': Gadkari Breaks Silence On Ethanol Row, Defends Govt's E20 Policy
'Show One Vehicle With Issues': Gadkari Breaks Silence On Ethanol Row, Defends Govt's E20 Policy Published By, Last Updated: July 08, 2026, 10:02 IST Gadkari
'Show One Vehicle With Issues': Gadkari Breaks Silence On Ethanol Row, Defends Govt's E20 Policy Published By, Last Updated: July 08, 2026, 10:02 IST Gadkari responded to the ongoing debate over ethanol-blended fuel and challenged its critics to point to even one vehicle that had developed problems because of the mixed fuel. Union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari. (File pic/PTI) Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday defended the Centre’s ethanol blending programme, saying it is a scientifically proven initiative that has delivered major economic and environmental benefits. Addressing the Viksit Bharat Conclave in New Delhi, Gadkari responded to the ongoing debate over ethanol-blended fuel and challenged its critics to point to even one vehicle that had developed problems because of the mixed fuel. He said no such incident had taken place. The minister said the ethanol blending programme has produced positive results and stressed the need to expand the use of alternative biofuels to improve India’s energy security and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.
What Gadkari said? Gadkari said greater use of alternative fuels would help tackle several challenges at the same time. According to him, promoting biofuels would reduce pollution, lower the country’s fuel import bill, create employment opportunities in rural areas and increase farmers’ income. He said alternative fuels are an important part of India’s efforts to achieve energy security while also supporting economic growth. The minister maintained that the ethanol blending programme has delivered measurable economic as well as environmental benefits. Ethanol controversy Gadkari’s comments come amid an ongoing controversy surrounding the government’s E20 ethanol-blended petrol policy. The debate centres on allegations that Gadkari’s strong support for ethanol blending could benefit businesses linked to his family, particularly those connected to the ethanol and sugar supply chain. Critics have also argued that ethanol-blended fuel may reduce vehicle mileage or may not be suitable for some vehicles. The controversy revolves around claims made by opposition leaders and online critics that Gadkari ethanol blending too aggressively while businesses linked to his family had interests in the ethanol sector.
The allegations have raised questions over a possible conflict of interest. Gadkari has rejected these claims. He described the allegations as a paid campaign or one driven by political motives. The Union minister has maintained that the ethanol blending policy is designed to benefit farmers, reduce India’s dependence on imported fuel and help curb pollution. Minister rejects criticism While defending the programme, Gadkari again emphasised that critics had failed to produce evidence that ethanol-blended fuel had caused problems for vehicles. He said those opposing the policy should identify even one vehicle that had suffered issues because of the blended fuel. The minister reiterated that no such example existed. Gadkari said the focus should remain on promoting alternative biofuels, which he believes will strengthen India’s energy security, reduce fossil fuel imports, generate employment in rural areas and improve the income of farmers, while also helping to reduce pollution. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Shuddhanta Patra Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18.
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