Rage over E20 fuel was 'paid campaign': Gadkari
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari dismissed public criticism of E20 ethanol-blended fuel as a 'paid campaign' orchestrated by vested interests. He emphasized that the fuel is beneficial for farmers, improves mileage, and is safe for vehicles, while promoting the government's shift toward flex-fuel engines.
Why it matters
The government's push for ethanol blending is a key component of India's energy strategy to reduce fossil fuel imports and support the agricultural sector.
Rage over E20 fuel was 'paid campaign': Gadkari left Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari. File Shiv Kumar Pushpakar Shiv Kumar Pushpakar https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/bshyky/article71631079.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/40_Nitin_Gadkari_30_06_Delhi.jpg SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR NEW DELHI, 30/05/2026: Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari addresses during the inaugural session of Uber India's flagship safety conference 'Uber Surakshit Safety Never Stops', in New Delhi on Tuesday. June 30, Photo: SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR / The Hindu The rollout of E20 petrol (80% petrol, 20% ethanol) drew criticism from opposition parties and some consumer groups, who raised concerns about its impact on older vehicles not specifically designed for 20% ethanol blends New Delhi Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday (October 27, 2026) said the rage over blending 20% ethanol in petrol fuel was a "paid campaign".
Also covering this story
One other newsroom covered this event. We read that version too.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in