Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has claimed that vested interests linked to fuel imports are behind a paid campaign against ethanol, alleging that the pushback is aimed at protecting their business as India expands the use of biofuels.
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Speaking at an ABP Majha event in Mumbai, Gadkari said India spends nearly ₹22 lakh crore every year on importing petrol, diesel and natural gas, making it imperative to increase the use of ethanol and other alternative fuels.
He said vehicles account for around 40% of the country’s air pollution and stressed that India must reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels to achieve energy security, particularly at a time when global conflicts continue to impact fuel prices. Gadkari said he has been promoting alternative fuels and biofuels since 2004.
The minister said his efforts have included promoting ethanol, hydrogen-powered vehicles and electric mobility. He added that he personally uses ethanol- and hydrogen-powered vehicles and has encouraged the adoption of electric cars, two-wheelers and tractors.
Gadkari said policies supporting alternative fuels have helped India’s automobile sector become the world’s third largest, overtaking Japan after previously ranking seventh.
Addressing criticism of ethanol on social media, the minister alleged that companies involved in importing petroleum products through government tenders were financing a campaign against him because ethanol posed a threat to their business interests.
He said the allegations against ethanol were without merit and would not affect his efforts to promote biofuels and cleaner transport fuels.
According to Gadkari, India requires about 1,500 crore litres of ethanol annually. He said ethanol prices are fixed by the government and procurement is carried out through a transparent tender process.
The minister also said that within the next five to six months, Indian farmers would begin contributing to the production of aviation fuel, adding that they would increasingly be recognised not only as food producers but also as fuel producers.
He said wider adoption of ethanol, methanol and other biofuels would significantly reduce India’s reliance on imported fossil fuels while strengthening the country’s energy security.
