The BRICS TimesSpeaking at SIAM’s 65th annual convention, Gadkari said that online campaigns against ethanol were politically motivated attacks aimed at him.
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday came down heavily on criticism surrounding India’s rollout of 20% ethanol-blended petrol (E20). He described the negative chatter as a “paid propaganda” pushed by vested groups while strongly defending the government’s clean fuel initiative.
During his address at the 65th annual convention of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) in New Delhi, Gadkari directly pointed out, “The campaigns on social media against ethanol were to target me politically.”
His comments follow the Supreme Court’s dismissal of a public interest litigation (PIL) on September 1. The petition had demanded compulsory availability of ethanol-free petrol (E0) at every fuel station, but the Centre opposed it firmly. The court later ruled that the plea was an attempt to challenge a national policy without merit.
India officially introduced 20% ethanol-blended petrol across the country in April 2023, reaching its goal five years earlier than planned. The programme was launched to reduce carbon emissions and cut down on crude oil imports. However, its rollout sparked debate among automobile experts and consumers, with many voicing concerns that ethanol blending could impact engine efficiency and vehicle durability.
The PIL had also requested that petrol pumps display ethanol content clearly and that the government conduct a detailed study on the mechanical impact of blended fuels. Representing petitioner Akshay Malhotra, senior advocate Shadan Farasat argued that the intention was not to derail the ethanol programme but to ensure consumers have a choice. “Only vehicles manufactured after April 2023 are compliant with E20 petrol. For vehicles produced earlier, the absence of an E0 or even E10 option results in mechanical risk and economic burden,” Farasat highlighted.
Attorney General R. Venkataramani, however, opposed the plea outright. He called the petitioner a “name-lender” for lobby groups attempting to slow down India’s shift towards cleaner fuel policies.
The Supreme Court finally dismissed the plea, stating that there was “sufficient clarity” on the ethanol policy and no proof that E20 fuel harmed engines, consumers, or farmers.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has repeatedly explained that ethanol blending only causes a minor efficiency drop. The impact is about 1–2% for cars designed for E10 and adjusted for E20, while older models may see a 3–6% reduction. Officials have also clarified that the use of E20 petrol does not affect the validity of vehicle insurance.
Gadkari defended the government’s position by stressing ethanol’s importance as “import substitute, cost effective, pollution free and indigenous.” He further explained that India spends nearly ₹22 lakh crore each year on fossil fuel imports. “If these ₹22 lakh crore go to the Indian economy, then how much profit will be made here?” he questioned, also noting that farmers are already reaping rewards from the ethanol policy.
Highlighting the environmental angle, Gadkari cited Delhi’s worsening air quality to stress the urgency of alternatives. “There is a report that after living in Delhi, pollution will continue to increase like this, so your life span will reduce by 10 years,” he said. He emphasised that alternative biofuels like ethanol are vital for protecting public health and ensuring a sustainable future.
Akshay Didwaniya
