'Don't Blame Ethanol': Nitin Gadkari Defends E20 Fuel After Sourav Joshi's Mileage Drop Claims

Published 14 July 2026 · india

'Don't Blame Ethanol': Nitin Gadkari Defends E20 Fuel After Sourav Joshi's Mileage Drop Claims Published By, Last Updated: July 14, 2026, 15:53 IST Nitin Gadkari

'Don't Blame Ethanol': Nitin Gadkari Defends E20 Fuel After Sourav Joshi's Mileage Drop Claims Published By, Last Updated: July 14, 2026, 15:53 IST Nitin Gadkari said mechanical issues can occur in any vehicle and should not automatically be linked to ethanol blending. Union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari. (File pic/PTI) Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday once again defended E20 fuel, saying misinformation was being spread about ethanol-blended petrol and that vehicle faults should not automatically be blamed on ethanol. His remarks come days after YouTuber and vlogger Sourav Joshi said the drop in mileage of his Mercedes-Benz SUV was caused by an “engine issue", after initially attributing it to E20 petrol. Joshi’s statement came after Mercedes-Benz India clarified that all its BS VI petrol vehicles are compatible with E20 fuel. The clarification has drawn attention amid the ongoing debate over ethanol-blended fuel.

‘Don’t Blame Ethanol’ Responding to concerns over E20 petrol, Gadkari said the government’s roadmap for shifting to alternative biofuels had been transparent from the beginning. “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 Union Minister said. He added that the ultimate objective of the policy is to achieve energy self-reliance and realise the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Gadkari said mechanical issues can occur in any vehicle and should not automatically be linked to ethanol blending. “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," he said. The minister stressed that vehicle owners should follow the proper inspection process if any fault develops instead of assuming the fuel is responsible.

‘E20 fuel is safe’ Reiterating the government’s position, Gadkari said E20 fuel is safe for both existing and new vehicles. “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," he said. The remarks come amid continued public discussion over the use of ethanol-blended fuel and its impact on vehicle performance. Mercedes-Benz India’s clarification that its BS VI petrol vehicles are compatible with E20 fuel has also become part of the wider debate after Sourav Joshi revised his earlier claim and said the reduced mileage in his SUV was caused by an engine issue rather than E20 petrol. With the government continuing to push its biofuel roadmap, Gadkari said the transition to alternative fuels remains aimed at reducing dependence on conventional fuels and strengthening India’s energy self-reliance.