Indian Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari defended the nationwide E20 ethanol-blending programme against claims of reduced fuel efficiency.
The policy is a central pillar of India's strategy to strengthen energy security, improve air quality, and reduce reliance on expensive fossil-fuel imports. As the government pushes for higher ethanol blends in petrol, a growing row has emerged between policymakers and vehicle owners regarding engine longevity and mileage.
Gadkari rejected the label of "ethanol ambassador" and said there is no evidence that ethanol-blended fuel causes engine damage [1]. He challenged critics to produce proof of such damage to support their claims [1].
Opponents of the policy have contested this view. Protesters said, "We will present six ethanol victims," referring to individuals whose vehicles were allegedly damaged by the blended fuel [3].
Regarding fuel economy, some reports indicate a possible drop in fuel efficiency of three% to five% due to E20 blending [3]. However, Gadkari dismissed the ability of individual drivers to verify these changes. "Car owners cannot accurately check fuel mileage themselves," he said [3].
The E20 programme involves blending 20% ethanol with 80% petrol. The government maintains that this transition is necessary for the environment and the economy, despite the ongoing disputes over technical performance and vehicle wear [1].
“"Car owners cannot accurately check fuel mileage themselves."”
The tension between Gadkari and vehicle owners highlights the technical challenge of transitioning a massive, diverse vehicle fleet to higher ethanol blends. While the government prioritizes macroeconomic goals like reduced import bills and lower emissions, the lack of consensus on engine compatibility creates a trust gap with consumers who fear long-term mechanical failure.
