New Delhi: Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has said motorists who do not wish to use ethanol-blended petrol can choose 100% petrol by paying a higher price, while defending the Centre’s ethanol blending programme against criticism over E20 fuel.
In an interview with The Times of India, Gadkari dismissed allegations that E20 fuel damages vehicle engines, describing them as misinformation and stating that the government has not received any complaints from consumers. He also rejected suggestions that E10 petrol should continue to be sold alongside E20, saying India has already achieved 20% ethanol blending and E20 is available at fuel stations across the country, according to News18.
“People who do not want ethanol-blended fuel can go for 100% petrol, but they will have to pay more,” Gadkari said.
On whether consumers would be offered multiple ethanol-blended fuel options, the minister said the decision rests with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. However, he pointed out that some fuel stations already sell E85, an 85% ethanol blend meant for flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs), and said more than half a dozen automobile manufacturers are preparing to launch such vehicles. He added that E85 is priced lower than E20, giving consumers another option.
Gadkari alleged that criticism of the government’s ethanol policy was part of a politically motivated misinformation campaign targeting both him and the government.
He said claims that E20 harms vehicle engines are baseless and maintained that all vehicles compatible with E10 petrol can safely operate on E20. According to Gadkari, the government had invited consumers facing vehicle problems after using E20 to report them, but no complaints had been received.
Referring to automobile manufacturers, he said companies such as Maruti Suzuki have publicly supported E20 fuel and continue to provide warranties on vehicles using the blend.
The minister acknowledged that ethanol has a lower calorific value than petrol, resulting in a slight reduction in fuel efficiency. However, he said the difference is negligible during city driving and becomes noticeable mainly at higher speeds.
“E20 fuel was introduced only after proper testing,” he said, adding that any reduction in mileage is linked to ethanol’s lower energy content.
Gadkari also rejected allegations of a conflict of interest involving his family’s sugar business. He said the business is managed by his sons, while the ethanol programme is implemented by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and ethanol prices are decided by the Union Cabinet.
He said ethanol accounts for only about 10% of his sons’ business, while their companies contribute less than 0.5% of India’s ethanol production. He added that the companies have debt of around ₹1,600 crore and accused critics of spreading false information.
Describing ethanol as one of several cleaner fuel options, Gadkari said the government’s biofuel programme aims to reduce air pollution and lower India’s dependence on imported crude oil. He added that ethanol production has expanded beyond sugarcane to include feedstocks such as maize, rice, crop residue and bamboo, creating additional income opportunities for farmers while supporting cleaner energy.
The Centre’s ethanol blending programme has faced criticism from some vehicle owners and experts over concerns related to engine compatibility, fuel efficiency and the suitability of older vehicles. While ethanol has lower energy content than petrol and may slightly reduce mileage, the government maintains that all E10-compliant petrol vehicles can safely run on E20.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has also issued a detailed clarification addressing concerns over engine damage, water consumption, vehicle warranties, fuel efficiency and environmental impact, stating that the E20 programme is supported by scientific studies, regulatory safeguards and international experience. Gadkari has also said previously that the use of E20 fuel does not affect vehicle insurance coverage.
