Gadkari Rejects Ethanol Criticism as 'Politically Motivated Campaign'

New Delhi: Union road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday dismissed criticism surrounding India’s rollout of 20% ethanol-blended petrol (E20), labeling it as a campaign driven by “vested interests” and characterized as “paid” efforts, while vigorously defending the government’s ethanol programme. In a speech delivered at the 65th annual convention of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) in New Delhi, Gadkari asserted that the social media campaigns against ethanol were aimed at targeting him politically.

The minister’s remarks come amid the Supreme Court’s dismissal of a public interest litigation (PIL) filed on September 1, which sought to mandate the availability of ethanol-free petrol (E0) at all fuel stations. The central government had staunchly opposed the plea, arguing that it sought to undermine a national policy. The PIL also called for clear labelling of ethanol content at retail outlets and a nationwide study on the performance and mechanical degradation caused by blended fuel.

India implemented the 20% ethanol-blended petrol nationwide in April 2023, achieving the blending target five years ahead of schedule. The initiative, a key strategy for reducing carbon emissions and decreasing reliance on crude oil imports, has sparked debate among consumers and automotive experts. Many contend that ethanol blending could compromise vehicle efficiency and longevity.

Advocate Shadan Farasat, representing petitioner Akshay Malhotra, argued that the plea did not aim to halt the government’s ethanol blending drive but to ensure consumer choice. He pointed out that only vehicles manufactured after April 2023 are compliant with E20 fuel, leaving older vehicles without an E0 or E10 option, which poses mechanical risks and economic burdens.

Attorney General Venkataramani opposed the petition, contending that the petitioner merely served as a “name-lender” and that the plea reflected the interests of a broader lobby seeking to obstruct India’s clean fuel policy.

The Supreme Court dismissed the case, noting that there was “sufficient clarity” on the policy and no evidence suggesting that E20 fuel was harmful to engines, consumers, or farmers. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has consistently defended the policy, citing that ethanol’s lower energy density results in a marginal efficiency drop of 1–2% for newer vehicles and 3–6% for older models. Officials also clarified that the use of E20 fuel does not affect vehicle insurance validity.

Gadkari has emphasized that ethanol is an “import substitute, cost-effective, pollution-free, and indigenous” fuel. He argued that the country spends ₹22 lakh crore annually on fossil fuel imports and questioned how much profit would be generated if this amount were invested in the Indian economy. He further noted that the programme has already provided benefits to farmers.

Regarding environmental concerns, Gadkari highlighted Delhi’s air quality, stating that the city’s pollution levels could lead to a reduction in life expectancy by 10 years. He emphasized that alternative biofuels, such as ethanol, are crucial for public health.