New Delhi | September 11, 2025

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has alleged that the rising criticism of the government’s E20 ethanol-blended petrol rollout is the result of a “paid political campaign” on social media. Addressing the 65th annual convention of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) in Delhi on Thursday, Gadkari urged people not to be misled by misinformation, reiterating that the fuel is both safe and regulator-approved.

Gadkari Defends Ethanol Programme

The minister explained that E20 fuel, which blends 20% ethanol with petrol, has already received a green signal from both the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and the Supreme Court. “There was a campaign on social media to target me politically. It was a paid campaign, so don’t pay attention to it,” Gadkari said during his address.

He emphasized that the opposition to E20 is largely exaggerated, adding that the government’s clean-energy initiative was not only technologically viable but also in the national interest.

Public Concerns and Backlash

The rollout of E20 petrol has faced mounting pushback in recent weeks. Many vehicle owners, particularly those with older models built before 2023, have expressed fears that the higher ethanol content reduces mileage and could damage engines not designed for it. Service garages and some experts have reported performance complaints, further fueling skepticism online.

Despite this, Gadkari has consistently maintained that the fuel does not cause harm to vehicles designed for E20. At the Business Today India@100 Summit last month, he had even challenged critics to “show a single instance” of an engine damaged by E20, asserting that no such evidence had been confirmed by regulators or automakers.

Supreme Court Clearance

The debate reached the judiciary earlier this month when a petition sought to halt the mandatory rollout of E20 and requested ethanol-free petrol be made available at pumps. The Supreme Court dismissed the plea, effectively removing a major obstacle for the government’s clean-energy programme.

Automakers and oil companies have also reassured consumers, clarifying that warranties will remain valid for vehicles manufactured to run on E20.

Economic and Agricultural Benefits

Beyond its environmental benefits, the government has framed ethanol blending as an economic game-changer. Gadkari argued that the programme would help reduce India’s dependence on imported oil, cut emissions, and boost rural incomes.

“We took the decision to produce ethanol from maize. As a result, maize cultivation in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and across the country has tripled,” he said. Highlighting the low growth rate in traditional agriculture, he noted that linking farming with the energy sector creates new revenue streams for farmers and strengthens the rural economy.

Push for Incentives in Auto Sector

Gadkari also used the SIAM platform to make a fresh policy pitch aimed at promoting cleaner vehicles. He revealed that he has urged both the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister to provide GST benefits for consumers who purchase new vehicles after scrapping old ones at authorized scrapping centres.

Such incentives, he said, would accelerate adoption of newer, greener technologies while supporting India’s ambitious transition to sustainable mobility.

Conclusion

By dismissing the social media uproar as politically motivated, Gadkari reaffirmed his stance that E20 petrol is safe, sustainable, and beneficial for the economy, environment, and farmers alike. With regulatory backing from both the Supreme Court and ARAI, the government appears firm on moving ahead with ethanol blending as a cornerstone of its clean-energy and rural development policies.

 Nitin Gadkari calls E20 backlash a “paid campaign”

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has dismissed the online uproar against E20 petrol as a “paid political campaign.” Speaking at the SIAM annual convention in Delhi, he said misinformation about the 20% ethanol-blended fuel is being spread deliberately. Gadkari stressed that both the Supreme Court and ARAI have cleared the programme, adding that no verified cases of engine damage have been reported. He highlighted that ethanol blending will cut oil imports, reduce pollution, and boost farmer incomes by promoting maize cultivation. Gadkari also urged GST benefits for consumers buying new vehicles after scrapping old ones.

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