Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has strongly defended India’s ethanol-blending policy, rejecting claims that ethanol-mixed petrol damages vehicles. Speaking at the Bihar Investor Summit 2026, Gadkari challenged critics to provide evidence of vehicles being damaged because of ethanol-blended fuel.
Gadkari Issues Open Challenge
Gadkari said more than four crore four-wheelers and 20 crore two-wheelers have been running on ethanol-blended petrol since 2022. He also claimed that leading automobile manufacturers had tested vehicles on higher ethanol blends, including 100% ethanol, without receiving complaints related to vehicle damage.
The minister also suggested that opposition to ethanol blending could be linked to commercial interests associated with conventional fuel imports. He pointed out that India spends around ₹22 lakh crore on conventional energy imports.
Focus on Farmers and Rural Economy
Explaining the rationale behind the policy, Gadkari said ethanol blending was introduced not only as an alternative fuel initiative but also to diversify agriculture towards the energy sector.
He said farmers could become “urja data” or energy producers alongside their traditional role as food producers. According to Gadkari, the increased use of corn for ethanol production has generated additional earnings of up to ₹45,000 crore for farmers in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
Alternative Fuels and Innovation
Gadkari also highlighted efforts to develop fuels from agricultural waste. He said aviation fuel has been produced using rice straw, describing innovation, technology and research as important to India’s future energy strategy.
The minister’s remarks come amid continuing public debate over ethanol blending, vehicle compatibility and the wider economic impact of India’s shift towards alternative fuels. The Petroleum Ministry has also issued clarifications on the Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme and related concerns.