Janardan Mishra, a BJP Member of Parliament from Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, defended the Indian government's ethanol-petrol blending policy while mocking its critics.
The dispute centers on the E20 scheme, which aims to reduce India's reliance on imported crude oil. However, the policy has faced pushback from those concerned about engine performance and vehicle longevity.
During a discussion in Rewa on Sunday, Aug. 9, 2024, Mishra responded to critics of the fuel blend with a pointed question. "Will pure petrol come from your father’s house?" Mishra said [1].
Mishra argued that the shift toward ethanol is a necessary step for the country's energy security. He pointed to international examples to justify the transition to blended fuels, specifically citing the success of South American energy policies.
"Brazil is making 100% ethanol-blended fuel and all vehicles are running on it," Mishra said [2]. He noted that Brazil's use of 100% ethanol-blended fuel [2] serves as a viable model for India's own ambitions.
The E20 program is designed to blend 20% ethanol with gasoline to lower carbon emissions, and support domestic farmers. Despite these goals, some vehicle owners have expressed concern that higher ethanol concentrations can corrode engine components in older cars not designed for such blends.
Mishra dismissed these concerns by framing the move as an inevitable global trend. He suggested that the transition to sustainable fuel sources is a priority that outweighs the complaints of individual critics [1].
“"Will pure petrol come from your father’s house?"”
The friction between government policy and consumer concerns highlights a significant challenge in India's energy transition. While the E20 mandate serves macroeconomic goals—such as reducing foreign exchange outflows for oil and boosting agricultural income—the lack of widespread vehicle compatibility creates a gap between policy goals and practical infrastructure. The reliance on Brazil's model suggests a long-term vision for fuel independence, but the controversy underscores the need for clearer communication regarding vehicle specifications and engine safety.
