Gadkari: E20 Fuel Boosts Mileage, Backs Farmers, Poses No Risk to Vehicles

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on [date] stated that E20 fuel—petrol blended with 20% ethanol—increases mileage, benefits farmers, and will not harm vehicles. He also announced that all automobile companies will bring out vehicles equipped with flex-fuel engines that can run on 100% ethanol, a move aimed at reducing India's crude oil import bill and pollution.

Gadkari emphasized that the shift to ethanol-blended fuel and flex-fuel engines will save the country ₹22 lakh crore in foreign exchange currently spent on importing petrol and diesel. He added that this will provide a boost to the agricultural sector by creating demand for ethanol-producing crops, and will significantly cut vehicular pollution. The minister's remarks come amid ongoing debates over the compatibility of existing vehicles with higher ethanol blends.

The announcement signals a major policy push towards energy self-reliance and sustainable mobility. While the government has set a target of 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025, concerns remain about the impact on older vehicles and the availability of ethanol. Automakers are expected to ramp up production of flex-fuel models, but consumer acceptance and infrastructure readiness will be key to the success of this initiative. Global reactions are yet to emerge, but the move aligns with India's commitments to reduce carbon emissions.