New Delhi: Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has strongly dismissed allegations surrounding India’s ethanol-blended fuel programme, saying he has “nothing to gain” from the policy and claiming that the controversy is part of a political conspiracy aimed at tarnishing his image.
Responding to allegations of a conflict of interest involving companies linked to his family, Gadkari said he has no role in deciding ethanol procurement or contracts. He asserted that neither he nor his family has benefited from the government’s ethanol policy and described the accusations as “false propaganda” spread by vested interests.
The minister also challenged critics to produce even a single verified case of a vehicle being damaged due to the use of E20 fuel. He said if anyone has such evidence, they should submit the complaint to the vehicle manufacturer as well as to him personally. Gadkari maintained that ethanol-blended petrol has undergone extensive testing and is being successfully used to reduce India’s dependence on imported crude oil while supporting farmers and lowering emissions.
The ethanol programme has recently come under renewed scrutiny after concerns were raised over reduced fuel efficiency and possible compatibility issues in older vehicles. Opposition leaders have questioned the mandatory rollout of E20 petrol and sought greater clarity from both the government and automobile manufacturers.
Defending the government’s long-term vision, Gadkari reiterated that India is committed to adopting cleaner and alternative fuels, including ethanol, biofuels and hydrogen, to achieve energy security and reduce pollution. He said misinformation should not derail initiatives that are in the country’s long-term interest.
