'Urban Thinkers Say It's Just Alcohol': Gadkari Says Ethanol Can Come From Rotting Fruits Too
'Urban Thinkers Say It's Just Alcohol': Gadkari Says Ethanol Can Come From Rotting Fruits Too Written By, Last Updated: July 14, 2026, 14:42 IST Making
'Urban Thinkers Say It's Just Alcohol': Gadkari Says Ethanol Can Come From Rotting Fruits Too Written By, Last Updated: July 14, 2026, 14:42 IST Making the economic case for alternative fuels, Gadkari said India has spent enormous sums importing fossil fuels over the past two decades Rapid Read Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari | File image As tensions in West Asia once again threaten global oil supplies, Union minister Nitin Gadkari has mounted one of his strongest defences yet of India’s ethanol blending programme, saying the crisis underscores why the country cannot remain dependent on imported fuel. In an exclusive interview with CNN-News18, Gadkari dismissed criticism over ethanol blending and made the case for a future powered by biofuels, hydrogen and electric vehicles, saying energy self-reliance is central to India’s economic and strategic security. “India must reduce its dependence on imported fuels. The recent West Asia crisis has shown how vulnerable energy imports can make us. Atmanirbhar Bharat in the energy sector is the ultimate goal," Gadkari said. ‘Ethanol Can Even Be Made From Rotting Fruits’ Responding to criticism that ethanol production diverts food crops away from consumption, Gadkari dismissed what he called a narrow understanding of biofuels. “Urban, centralised thinkers make such arguments, saying that ethanol is just alcohol. But ethanol can be produced from a wide range of sources. It can even be made from rotting fruits and vegetables." He said ethanol production need not rely solely on food crops and can utilise agricultural waste and other organic material that would otherwise go unused.
“If we become self-sufficient in energy, it will greatly benefit our energy security, and pollution will come down significantly." ‘E20 Is Safe, Misinformation Is Being Spread’ Addressing concerns over E20 petrol and reports of vehicle issues linked to ethanol-blended fuel, Gadkari said the government’s roadmap for alternative fuels has always been transparent and that criticism is often based on misinformation rather than facts. ALSO READ | Can India Go Brazil’s Fle Fuel Way For E20 Petrol Transition? The Model, Hurdles And Solution Explained “The public is well aware of the facts. The policy and roadmap for transitioning to alternative biofuels have been discussed transparently and communicated at every stage. The ultimate objective is to achieve energy self-reliance and realise the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat." The minister also rejected claims that mechanical faults in vehicles can be routinely blamed on ethanol-blended fuel, saying no automobile technology is entirely free from defects. #Exclusive | E20 fuel is safe for both existing and new vehicles. Misinformation is being spread to create confusion, while some criticism is politically motivated rather than based on facts: @nitin_gadkari, Union Minister @AnchorAnandN “Like any machine, automobiles can develop faults. No technology is 100 per cent perfect. If a vehicle develops an issue, owners should have it inspected by the dealer and use insurance where applicable. Not every mechanical problem can be attributed to ethanol blending." Reiterating the Centre’s position on E20 fuel, Gadkari said both existing and new vehicles are capable of using it safely.
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