Nitin Gadkari, the Minister of Road Transport and Highways, has responded to recent criticisms of E20 fuel, alleging the attacks are part of a paid campaign. He believes the criticism is not stemming from technical problems, but rather from the influence of powerful petrol lobbies seeking to undermine the initiative. Gadkari has publicly stated that a paid campaign has been initiated against the project.
E20 fuel is a blend of gasoline with 20% ethanol, a move the government considers critical for green energy transition. Concerns have arisen on social media about possible reduced mileage and potential engine issues with E20.
At the Auto Retail Conclave held by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), Gadkari pointed out the presence of lobbying across sectors, suggesting that the negative claims regarding E20 fuel are being fueled by the petrol lobby. Gadkari clarified that this technology is crucial for India’s energy self-sufficiency and for reducing pollution.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has already addressed concerns about E20’s impact on mileage, stating that reverting to E-0 would undermine India’s efforts in pollution control and energy transformation.
Gadkari also emphasized the focus on alternative fuels and technologies. He noted that Indian startups are actively researching new battery technologies such as sodium ion, lithium ion, zinc ion and aluminum ion batteries. Gadkari also suggested that the scrapping of old vehicles can be leveraged to recover valuable rare earth and other metals.
He referred to the previous dependence on China for semiconductor chips, which had negatively affected the automotive industry. He stated that with domestic chip manufacturing beginning in India, the nation would see similar self-reliance in the fuel and battery sectors.
Gadkari indicated that petrol and diesel vehicles will remain in demand. With a growing automobile production market and a substantial international market, petrol and diesel vehicles will persist. However, alternative fuels and technologies will gradually gain prominence.
Gadkari pointed out that the Indian automotive industry had a valuation of ₹14 lakh crore when he took office, which has since increased to ₹22 lakh crore. The U.S. and China lead the industry globally, with ₹78 lakh crore and ₹47 lakh crore, respectively, placing India in third position.