In a fiery rebuttal delivered at the 65th annual convention of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari slammed what he described as a “paid political campaign” targeting India’s rollout of E20 fuel—petrol blended with 20% ethanol. His remarks come amid growing public debate and social media backlash over the fuel’s impact on vehicle performance, consumer choice, and environmental efficacy.
🌱 The E20 Ethanol Vision
India’s E20 fuel initiative, launched nationwide in April 2023, is a cornerstone of the government’s strategy to reduce dependence on crude oil imports, lower carbon emissions, and boost agricultural income. Ethanol, derived primarily from sugarcane and maize, is seen as a cleaner, indigenous alternative to fossil fuels. The rollout was hailed as a major milestone, achieving its blending target five years ahead of schedule.
Gadkari has long championed ethanol as a “pollution-free, cost-effective, and import-substitute” fuel. At SIAM, he reiterated that E20 represents a win-win for the environment, the economy, and farmers. “We took the decision to produce ethanol from maize. As a result, maize cultivation in UP, Bihar, and across the country has tripled,” he said.
💥 The Backlash and the Supreme Court’s Verdict
Despite the government’s enthusiasm, E20 has faced criticism from automobile experts, service garages, and consumers—especially those with vehicles manufactured before April 2023. Concerns include reduced fuel efficiency, mechanical degradation, and lack of consumer choice at fuel stations. A public interest litigation (PIL) filed in the Supreme Court sought mandatory availability of ethanol-free petrol (E0), clear labeling of ethanol content, and a nationwide impact study.
The Supreme Court, however, dismissed the petition on September 1, siding with the government’s stance that the plea was an attempt to undermine a national policy. Gadkari seized on this verdict to reinforce his position, stating that both the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and SIAM had found no verified cases of vehicle damage due to E20.
🧠 Gadkari’s Counterattack: “Paid Campaign”
In his address, Gadkari didn’t mince words. He claimed that the social media uproar against E20 was orchestrated by vested interests aiming to politically target him. “There was a campaign on social media to target me politically. It was a paid campaign, so don’t pay attention to it,” he declared.
This assertion adds a new layer to the controversy, suggesting that opposition to E20 may not be entirely organic. Gadkari’s comments imply that misinformation is being weaponized to derail a policy that threatens entrenched interests in the fossil fuel ecosystem.
🚗 Industry Response and Consumer Concerns
Automakers have largely aligned with the government’s ethanol push, with newer models being designed to accommodate E20 fuel. However, for millions of older vehicles on Indian roads, compatibility remains a concern. Studies cited in the PIL suggest up to a 6% drop in fuel efficiency when E20 is used in non-compliant vehicles.
Senior advocate Shadan Farasat, arguing for the petitioner, emphasized that the plea wasn’t against ethanol blending per se, but rather for ensuring consumer choice and transparency. “Only vehicles manufactured after April 2023 are compliant with E20 petrol. For vehicles produced earlier, the absence of an E0 or even E10 option results in mechanical risk and economic burden,” he said.
🔄 Policy Push and Future Incentives
Beyond defending E20, Gadkari used the SIAM platform to propose new incentives aimed at accelerating clean fuel adoption. He urged automakers to offer discounts to buyers presenting scrappage certificates and called on the Finance Ministry to provide GST relief for such purchases. He also announced a new toll policy benefiting bus operators and a FASTag-based annual pass for non-commercial vehicles, priced at ₹3,000.
These measures are part of a broader ecosystem shift, where ethanol is not just a fuel but a catalyst for agricultural diversification, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.
🔍 The Bigger Picture
India’s ethanol journey is emblematic of the challenges faced by any transformative policy. While the environmental and economic rationale is compelling, execution must be sensitive to consumer realities and technological constraints. Gadkari’s aggressive defense of E20 underscores the government’s commitment, but also reveals the political fault lines that such policies can expose.
The debate around E20 is far from over. As more data emerges and consumer experiences accumulate, the government may need to revisit aspects of the rollout—especially around labeling, compatibility, and choice. But for now, Gadkari has made it clear: the ethanol train has left the station, and it’s not turning back.
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