No Future for Petrol and Diesel Vehicles, Says Nitin Gadkari

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has said petrol and diesel vehicles have no future in India, urging a shift to cleaner fuels like hydrogen and ethanol to reduce pollution and cut rising oil import costs.

By OdishaConnect On Apr 29, 2026

Shift Towards Clean and Alternative Fuels Urged
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has warned that petrol and diesel vehicles have no long-term future in India. Citing rising air pollution and the country’s heavy dependence on fossil fuel imports, Gadkari urged automobile manufacturers to transition towards cleaner and sustainable alternatives.

He emphasized that companies continuing to focus on petrol and diesel vehicles may face an uncertain future, as India moves towards greener mobility solutions.

Rising Import Costs a Major Concern
Gadkari highlighted that India spends nearly ₹22 lakh crore annually on oil imports, calling it a significant economic burden. Along with financial strain, fossil fuel usage is also contributing to severe environmental challenges. The government is now actively working on policies to reduce import dependency and promote affordable, pollution-free fuel options.

Hydrogen Emerges as Fuel of the Future
The minister identified hydrogen as a key fuel for the future. The government is currently conducting pilot projects for hydrogen-powered buses and trucks in collaboration with companies like Tata Motors, Volvo, Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum, and NTPC.

Ethanol and Flex-Fuel Vehicles Gain Momentum
Gadkari also stressed the potential of ethanol as a major alternative fuel. India is already producing ethanol from agricultural sources such as rice, maize, bamboo, straw, sugarcane, and molasses. The country has achieved 20% ethanol blending in petrol, and efforts are underway to develop flex-fuel engines.

The government is also exploring higher ethanol blends like E85 (85% ethanol) and E100 (100% ethanol), which could significantly reduce reliance on imported fuels.

Policy Push for Sustainable Mobility
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is working on new frameworks to promote alternative fuels and cleaner technologies. Gadkari’s remarks signal a strong policy direction aimed at reducing pollution, cutting import costs, and accelerating India’s transition to sustainable mobility.