Union Road Transport and Highways minister Nitin Gadkari has said motorists who prefer pure petrol over ethanol-blended fuel will have that option, but it will come at a higher cost. His remarks come amid continuing debate over the Centre’s ethanol blending programme and concerns raised by some vehicle owners about E20 fuel.
In an interview with The Times of India, Gadkari rejected claims that E20 fuel harms vehicle engines and said the government has not received any complaints on the issue.
“How is it possible when we have achieved 20 per cent ethanol blending, and E20 fuel is available at every fuel station in the country? People who do not want ethanol-blended fuel can go for 100 per cent petrol, but they will have to pay more,” he said, while speaking to TOI.
Decision on fuel options rests with Petroleum Ministry
Responding to questions on whether petrol pumps could offer different ethanol blends such as E10 alongside E20, Gadkari said the matter falls under the Petroleum Ministry.
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“It won’t be appropriate for me to comment as it is for the petroleum ministry to decide. At some petrol pumps people have the option to buy E85 (85 per cent ethanol blended petrol) for use in flex fuel vehicles (FFVs). Over half a dozen vehicle manufacturers are ready to launch such vehicles. E85 costs less than E20. So, people have a choice,” he said.
‘No complaints so far’ over E20 fuel
The minister also dismissed criticism of the ethanol policy, calling it a politically driven misinformation campaign.
“The campaign is politically motivated. Certain people are targeting me and the government. There is also misinformation about E20 fuel damaging engines. All E10-compliant vehicles are fit for using E20 fuel. There have been no complaints so far about the fuel damaging the engine,” he added, while speaking to TOI.
Referring to support from automobile manufacturers, Gadkari said, “Maruti Suzuki has publicly stated so. Auto manufacturers offer guarantees on vehicles. There are people in your office who are using two-wheelers and petrol cars, how many have faced a problem? A few days ago, I had asked people to write to my ministry in case they are facing any problems with their vehicles. There has been no complaint so far,” he said.
On mileage and conflict of interest claims
Gadkari acknowledged that ethanol has a lower calorific value than petrol, which can lead to a slight drop in fuel efficiency, particularly during high-speed driving.
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“E20 fuel was launched after being properly tested. As for mileage, in city traffic in Delhi or Mumbai, you will not see any major change, there may be some loss when you are driving at high speed on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. I have always said there is a minor mileage loss due to low calorific value of ethanol compared to petrol,” he said.
Addressing allegations related to his family’s business interests, Gadkari said, “That business is run by my sons, the programme is run by the petroleum ministry and the price is decided by the Cabinet. So, I have no influence over it.
Ethanol is just 10 per cent of the business and the factories run by my sons have less than 0.5 per cent share of the ethanol business in the country. The companies have a debt of Rs 1,600 crore. Lot of lies are being spread,” he said, while speaking to TOI.
FAQs:
Will 100% petrol still be available in India?
Nitin Gadkari said consumers can opt for 100% petrol, but it will cost more.
What did Nitin Gadkari say about E20 fuel damaging engines?
He said there have been no complaints so far and rejected claims that E20 damages vehicle engines.
