'People Who Don't Want Ethanol-Blended Fuel Can Buy 100% Petrol, But Pay More': Nitin Gadkari
'People Who Don't Want Ethanol-Blended Fuel Can Buy 100% Petrol, But Pay More': Nitin Gadkari Published By, Last Updated: July 15, 2026, 09:25 IST The
'People Who Don't Want Ethanol-Blended Fuel Can Buy 100% Petrol, But Pay More': Nitin Gadkari Published By, Last Updated: July 15, 2026, 09:25 IST The minister dismissed concerns over E20 fuel damaging vehicle engines, saying claims were based on misinformation and insisted that no complaints had been received so far. File image of Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari. (Source: PTI) Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has said motorists who do not wish to use ethanol-blended petrol can opt for 100% petrol, but they will have to pay a higher price, while strongly defending the Centre’s ethanol-blending programme amid criticism over E20 fuel. In an interview with The Times of India, Gadkari dismissed concerns over E20 fuel damaging vehicle engines, saying the claims were based on misinformation and insisting that no complaints had been received by the government. Asked whether E10 petrol could be made available at fuel stations alongside E20, Gadkari said the country had already achieved 20 per cent ethanol blending. “How is it possible when we have achieved 20% ethanol blending, and E20 fuel is available at every fuel station in the country? People who do not want ethanol-blended fuel can go for 100% petrol, but they will have to pay more," he said, while speaking to TOI. Also Read: Gadkari Says Ethanol Is A Small Part Of Sons’ Business, Rejects Conflict Charges: ‘Politically Motivated’ On the question of whether petrol pumps will offer multiple ethanol blends to consumers, Gadkari said the decision rests with the Petroleum Ministry. “It won’t be appropriate for me to comment as it is for the petroleum ministry to decide. At some petrol pumps people have the option to buy E85 (85% ethanol blended petrol) for use in flex fuel vehicles (FFVs). Over half a dozen vehicle manufacturers are ready to launch such vehicles.
E85 costs less than E20. So, people have a choice," he said. ‘It’s A Politically Motivated Misinformation Campaign’ Responding to criticism of the government’s ethanol policy, the minister alleged that a politically motivated misinformation campaign was being run against him and the government. “The campaign is politically motivated. Certain people are targeting me and the government. There is also misinformation about E20 fuel damaging engines. All E10-compliant vehicles are fit for using E20 fuel. There have been no complaints so far about the fuel damaging the engine," he added, while speaking to TOI. ‘No Complaints So Far’ Gadkari said automobile manufacturers have backed the use of E20 fuel and pointed to the absence of complaints from vehicle owners. Also Read: ‘Urban Thinkers Say It’s Just Alcohol’: Gadkari Says Ethanol Can Come From Rotting Fruits Too “Maruti Suzuki has publicly stated so. Auto manufacturers offer guarantees on vehicles. There are people in your office who are using two-wheelers and petrol cars, how many have faced a problem? A few days ago, I had asked people to write to my ministry in case they are facing any problems with their vehicles. There has been no complaint so far," he said. Acknowledging that ethanol has a lower calorific value than petrol, Gadkari said the impact on fuel efficiency was marginal and largely noticeable during high-speed driving. “E20 fuel was launched after being properly tested. As for mileage, in city traffic in Delhi or Mumbai, you will not see any major change, there may be some loss when you are driving at high speed on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. I have always said there is a minor mileage loss due to low calorific value of ethanol compared to petrol," he said. ‘Ethanol Is A Small Part Of My Sons’ Business’ The minister also rejected allegations of a conflict of interest over his family’s sugar business, saying ethanol production forms only a small part of its operations and that pricing is determined by the Union Cabinet.
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