gadkari-dares-critics-on-ethanol-mileage-row-blames-lobby

Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday strongly dismissed claims that the use of E20 petrol—a fuel blend with 20 pc ethanol—negatively affects vehicle mileage. During an interview at a summit, Gadkari suggested that the opposition to E20 is politically motivated and being manipulated by the 'petroleum lobby.'

"This is not even a discussion. I don't know if I should say this, politically — it appears the petroleum lobby is manipulating it," Gadkari said in response to a question about social media concerns regarding E20's effect on mileage. He then issued an 'open challenge' to critics, "You show me one vehicle anywhere in the world which had problems because of E20 petrol! There is absolutely no problem with E20."

 

📍𝑵𝒆𝒘 𝑫𝒆𝒍𝒉𝒊 | Addressing Business Today’s India@100 Summit https://t.co/fF0MpFqatq

— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) August 8, 2025

This strong defence of E20 comes in the same week that the Petroleum Ministry released a clarification on the matter. The ministry's statement acknowledged that there may be a slight dip in mileage—up to 2 pc in newer vehicles and 6 pc in older ones. However, it maintained that no major engine damage or performance loss has been detected due to the fuel. The ministry added that regular maintenance could handle any possible problems with older cars. 

 

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For example, after 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers, minor gasket or rubber part replacements may be required; however, these are usually done during routine maintenance and are reasonably priced.

Gadkari emphasised the wider economic and environmental advantages of the E20 for India in his defence of it. He emphasised that using domestically produced ethanol lowers pollution and the nation's import bill for crude oil. He mentioned the economic impact on farmers, pointing out that since the price of maize has gone up from ₹1,200 to ₹2,600 per quintal, the production of ethanol has directly benefited them. In states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, the area under maize cultivation has tripled due to this increase in demand, which has increased farmers' incomes.

Gadkari also argued that this type of diversification could increase agriculture's share of India's GDP from the current 12% to 22%. Looking ahead, he pitched "100 per cent ethanol" as the fuel of the future.

 

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