New Delhi: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has dismissed criticism of the government’s E20 petrol blending initiative, describing it as a “paid campaign to politically target” him. Speaking at the annual convention of the Society of Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), Gadkari defended ethanol blending, stressing its economic, environmental and agricultural benefits.

Gadkari defends ethanol blending

When asked about rising concerns surrounding E20 petrol, Gadkari said that the issue had been deliberately exaggerated through organised campaigns on social media. “The way your industry works, so does politics. The social media campaign was paid; it was to target me politically. There is no fact in it; everything is clear,” he told the gathering of automobile industry leaders.

He added that automobile manufacturers, along with the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), have already shared their findings and confirmed the viability of ethanol blending.

Economic benefits for India

Explaining the rationale behind E20 petrol, Gadkari said that India spends enormous sums on fossil fuel imports. Substituting part of that demand with ethanol, which can be produced domestically, would strengthen the Indian economy.

“We derived ethanol from makka (maize). Farmers have gained Rs 45,000 crore due to the move,” he said, emphasising the dual advantage of reducing import bills while supporting India’s agricultural sector.

Impact on pollution and public health

From an environmental perspective, Gadkari underlined the urgent need to cut emissions. “The world agrees that pollution has to be reduced. A report has found Delhi residents will lose 10 years of life if this level of pollution continues,” he noted.

According to the minister, ethanol blending offers a cleaner alternative to conventional petrol, thereby reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality in urban centres.

What is E20 petrol?

E20 petrol refers to a blend of 80 per cent petrol and 20 per cent ethanol. The government has projected it as a step towards energy transition, helping India reduce its reliance on imported crude oil while supporting sustainable growth.

While the government highlights its advantages, some vehicle owners have complained of reduced fuel efficiency and faster wear and tear of engine components. Critics argue that E20 could increase maintenance costs for consumers.

Government’s rebuttal to criticism

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has rejected the claims about a significant drop in vehicle mileage, calling them “misplaced.” Officials said fuel efficiency depends on multiple factors such as driving habits, maintenance of vehicles, tyre condition, and use of air conditioning, not merely on fuel type.

The government has also asserted that E20 petrol delivers tangible benefits, including better acceleration and ride quality. It explained that ethanol’s higher heat of vaporisation reduces intake manifold temperatures, which in turn increases air-fuel mixture density and boosts volumetric efficiency.

“Vehicles tuned for E20 deliver better acceleration, which is a very important factor in city driving conditions. Most importantly, E20 results in lowered carbon emissions,” a ministry note said.

Wider implications

Energy analysts believe the debate around E20 is likely to continue as India transitions towards greener fuels. While environmentalists have largely supported the blending programme, automobile owners and some industry observers have expressed caution, pointing to the need for widespread consumer awareness and adequate adjustments in vehicle design.

Gadkari, however, reiterated that there was no going back. “The alternative of going back to E-0 petrol would involve losing the hard-fought gains on pollution and the success achieved in energy transition,” he said.

Conclusion

As India moves ahead with its E20 blending programme, the government faces the dual challenge of convincing consumers of its benefits and addressing genuine concerns over vehicle performance. Gadkari’s remarks signal the government’s firm stance that the policy is essential for reducing pollution, boosting farmers’ income, and cutting fuel import bills.