Ethanol blending a step towards diversification of agricultural sector: Nitin Gadkari
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari defends the government's ethanol blending program, dismissing concerns about vehicle damage. He emphasizes that the initiative promotes agricultural diversification and helps farmers become energy producers.
Why it matters
The policy represents a significant shift in India's energy strategy, aiming to reduce fuel import dependency while boosting the rural agricultural economy.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday (October 1, 2026) debunked claims that blending ethanol with petrol was damaging motor vehicles, asserting that it facilitated diversification of the agriculture sector.
Addressing the inaugural session of the 'Bihar Investor Summit 2026: The Emerging Investment Destination of India', Mr. Gadkari said that since 2022, four crore four-wheelers and 20 crore two-wheelers have been running on petrol mixed with ethanol.
"I challenge anybody to come up with the complaint that his or her vehicle has suffered damage on this account. Of course, those with vested interests may have some other story to tell," said Mr. Gadkari, who holds portfolios of Road Transport and Highways.
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