Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari strongly defended the government’s ethanol-blended petrol programme, brushing aside allegations of profiteering and calling the criticism “politically motivated”. Speaking at an event organised by Agricos Welfare Society in Nagpur, Gadkari said he has no personal financial motive in promoting ethanol and asserted that his business ideas are aimed at development rather than profit.
Gadkari hits back at critics
Amid allegations that his family runs ethanol companies benefitting from the policy, Gadkari emphasised his financial independence. “My brain is worth Rs 200 crore a month. I am not at all short of money, and I don’t stoop low,” he said.
Critics have claimed that the ethanol programme could worsen water shortages and damage vehicles. In addition, questions have been raised about his sons’ involvement in ethanol businesses. Without naming the controversy directly, Gadkari responded, “I give ideas to my sons, but I do not resort to fraud. Recently, my son imported 800 containers of apples from Iran and exported 1,000 containers of bananas from India to Iran. There are no monetary dealings with Iran.”
Ethanol blending and farmer benefits
Highlighting the impact of the programme, Gadkari said that blending 20 per cent ethanol with petrol (E20) has created strong demand for crops like sugarcane, maize and rice, raising farmers’ incomes.
“In the case of maize alone, farmers earned Rs 45,000 crore due to higher demand and better prices after the crop was allowed for ethanol production,” he said. According to him, the government’s policy has transformed agricultural earnings while reducing dependency on imported oil.
The minister added that the initiative also helps reduce pollution, a point acknowledged at international forums such as the G20 conference. “Ethanol-blending has both environmental and economic benefits. It is being recognised globally as a success story,” he said.
Supreme Court backs ethanol programme
At the annual convention of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) in Delhi, Gadkari said that all testing had confirmed the compatibility of vehicles with E20 fuel.
The Supreme Court recently dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging ethanol blending, rejecting claims that it would harm vehicles or deny insurance claims. The court supported the government’s stance, noting that the programme benefitted farmers and cut oil imports.
Pollution and public health concerns
Gadkari also pointed to research linking high pollution levels to reduced life expectancy, stressing the importance of cleaner fuel alternatives. “All testing agencies have confirmed there is no problem with implementation,” he said, dismissing fears of engine damage or warranty voids.
Empowering local trade
Apart from ethanol, Gadkari discussed his initiatives to promote fruit malls in Nagpur, which aim to empower local vegetable vendors and farmers by enabling direct sales. “I am not doing all this for my own earnings. My income is ample. My ideas are for development, not profit,” he said.
Conclusion
By firmly countering allegations and highlighting economic and environmental benefits, Gadkari positioned the ethanol programme as a crucial step in India’s sustainable energy transition. With the Supreme Court’s endorsement and international recognition, the government appears determined to push ahead with the E20 rollout despite opposition.