Is ethanol-blended petrol damaging your vehicles?
There is much discussion across the country regarding E20 petrol—specifically concerns about engine malfunctions or reduced mileage. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari addressed this issue on Tuesday (July 7). He challenged those questioning ethanol-blended petrol to name even a single car that had developed problems due to this fuel.
Speaking at a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) event, Gadkari stated that India's reliance on coal, petrol, and similar fuels constitutes an economic burden. He noted that the country spends ₹22 lakh crore annually on fuel imports, which also poses a threat to the environment; therefore, adopting clean energy is crucial for the nation's progress. He emphasized, "There has been no reported instance of a car malfunctioning due to E20 petrol."
A Paid Campaign'-
The Union Transport Minister alleged, "Rumors are being spread regarding the use of high-ethanol-blend petrol. This is a paid campaign." He added, "India has already achieved the target of 20 percent ethanol-blended petrol. This has reduced dependence on imported crude oil and lowered carbon emissions. Ethanol is produced from biomass such as sugarcane, maize, or rice."
Response to Allegations of Benefiting Family Members-
Gadkari also responded to allegations claiming that companies owned by his family members are involved in ethanol production and that this is the reason he is promoting high-ethanol-blend petrol. The Union Minister clarified that although his family members own sugar mills, their companies do not rely on ethanol production.
Mention of benefits for farmers in UP and Bihar-
He stated that there is a surplus supply of ethanol in the country, and the decision to produce ethanol from maize has generated an additional income of ₹45,000 crore for farmers in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Gadkari said, "When we decided to produce ethanol from maize, the market price of maize was ₹1,200 per quintal, while the Minimum Support Price (MSP) was ₹1,800 per quintal. Following this decision, the price of maize rose to ₹2,800 per quintal." He further added, "Farmers in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar received an additional ₹45,000 crore."
