Nitin Gadkari doubles down on ethanol-blended petrol, challenges critics to show damaged vehicles

Amid complaints from motorists over the performance of E20 petrol, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has doubled down on his support for ethanol-blended fuel, challenging critics to show him a vehicle that has been damaged by it.

“I challenge anybody to come up with the complaint that his or her vehicle has suffered damage on this account. Of course, those with vested interests may have some other story to tell,” Gadkari said while addressing the inaugural session of the Bihar Investor Summit 2026: The Emerging Investment Destination of India.

Gadkari, a strong proponent of ethanol-blended petrol, dismissed claims that the fuel could damage motor vehicles. He said four crore four-wheelers and 20 crore two-wheelers have been running on petrol blended with ethanol since 2022.

The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways also argued that ethanol blending was aimed at reducing India's dependence on imported fuel while creating an additional source of income for farmers.

“We must understand that the decision to blend ethanol with petrol was taken with a view to diversifying agriculture towards the energy and power sectors. Our farmers shall no longer remain ‘anna data’ (food producers) but also become ‘urja data’ (energy producers),” he said.

Gadkari claimed that leading automobile manufacturers had tested vehicles running on even 100% ethanol without receiving complaints of damage.

“Of course, we are importing (conventional fuel) worth ₹22 lakh crore, and those who feel that their business will get hit are bound to feel bad. But let me tell you, I am the minister in charge of the department concerned; all leading automobile brands have tried running their vehicles even on 100 per cent ethanol. And there have been no complaints,” he said.

He also highlighted the financial benefits of ethanol production for farmers. According to Gadkari, the Centre's decision to promote ethanol production from corn has resulted in additional earnings of up to ₹45,000 crore for farmers in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

“Is it not preferable to serve the interests of those from whom we import (fuel)?” he asked.

Gadkari said the government was pursuing a long-term strategy focused on innovation and alternative fuels.
“We have even made aviation fuel with rice straw. The future belongs to innovation, technology and research,” he said.

Motorists' concerns
Gadkari's remarks come amid continuing public debate over the increased use of ethanol-blended petrol, particularly E20 fuel, which contains up to 20 per cent ethanol.

Earlier this year, community platform LocalCircles published findings based on feedback from more than 45,000 owners of petrol vehicles manufactured before 2023 across 309 districts. According to the survey, 67 per cent of respondents reported a decline in fuel efficiency of 10 per cent or more since the beginning of 2025.

The survey also found that around 45 per cent of owners of pre-2023 vehicles reported accelerated wear and tear of critical engine components.

Even among newer vehicles certified by manufacturers as E20-compatible, concerns over mileage were reported. Of more than 22,000 responses from owners of vehicles manufactured in 2023 and 2024, 59 per cent said their vehicles had recorded a mileage decline of more than 10 per cent, according to LocalCircles.