**Ethanol Fuel Controversy: Nitin Gadkari Defends E20 Amid Criticism**
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has recently asserted that he is a target of a “paid political campaign” on social media, particularly in response to the government’s initiative to roll out ethanol-blended fuel. Speaking at the 65th annual convention of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) in Delhi, Gadkari addressed the growing concerns surrounding E20 petrol, which consists of 20% ethanol mixed with conventional fuel. He emphasized that the safety of this fuel is supported by both regulatory bodies and automobile manufacturers.
Gadkari stated, “ARAI and the Supreme Court have provided clarity on the E20 programme. There has been a social media campaign aimed at politically targeting me. It is a paid campaign, so I urge you not to pay attention to it.” The Minister has faced increasing backlash online regarding the ethanol blending and the mandatory sale of E20 petrol. Vehicle owners have expressed concerns that this fuel may reduce mileage and potentially damage older vehicles not designed for higher ethanol blends. Reports from industry experts and service garages have also indicated complaints from owners of vehicles manufactured before 2023.
Despite the criticism, Gadkari has consistently defended the efficacy and advantages of E20 fuel. At the Business Today India@100 Summit last month, he challenged critics to “show a single instance” of a vehicle being harmed by E20, noting that neither the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) nor SIAM had reported any verified cases of damage. The Supreme Court recently reinforced this position by dismissing a petition aimed at halting the E20 rollout and mandating ethanol-free petrol at fuel stations, thus clearing a significant legal obstacle for the government’s clean energy policy.
Automakers and fuel suppliers have also confirmed that warranties remain valid for vehicles designed to use E20. The government argues that ethanol blending will help reduce oil imports, lower emissions, and increase farmers’ incomes. Gadkari reiterated the potential for new income opportunities for farmers, stating, “We decided to produce ethanol from maize, leading to a tripling of maize cultivation in UP, Bihar, and across the country.” He highlighted that this diversification of agriculture into the energy sector directly benefits farmers and strengthens the economy.
During the industry gathering, Gadkari made a renewed policy proposal, advocating for incentives to promote the adoption of cleaner vehicles. “I have requested the Prime Minister and Finance Minister to provide GST benefits to consumers who purchase new vehicles after scrapping their old ones at verified scrapping centers,” he added.
In conclusion, while the rollout of E20 petrol has sparked significant debate and concern among vehicle owners and industry experts, Gadkari remains steadfast in his support for the initiative, emphasizing its safety and potential benefits for both the economy and the agricultural sector.
**FAQ**
**Q: What is E20 petrol and why is it controversial?**
A: E20 petrol is a fuel blend containing 20% ethanol and 80% conventional fuel. The controversy stems from concerns that it may reduce vehicle mileage and damage older cars not designed for higher ethanol content.