Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday lashed out at social media critics, claiming he has been targeted by a “paid political campaign” amid heated debates over the rollout of E20 petrol, which blends 20% ethanol with conventional fuel. Speaking at the 65th annual convention of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) in Delhi, Gadkari sought to assure the public and industry that the fuel is safe, efficient, and fully backed by regulators and automakers.
“ARAI and the Supreme Court have already given clarity on the E20 programme. There was a campaign on social media to target me politically. It was a paid campaign, so don’t pay attention to it,” Gadkari said, emphasizing that online outrage has been artificially amplified.
The controversy stems from vehicle owners and some service garages claiming that E20 reduces mileage and damages older models not designed for higher ethanol blends. Critics have voiced concerns about mandatory sale of the fuel, sparking intense debates online. Yet Gadkari and industry representatives insist that no verified cases of damage have been reported for vehicles compatible with E20.
Earlier this month, the Supreme Court dismissed a petition demanding ethanol-free petrol, effectively clearing a major legal hurdle for the government’s clean-energy initiative. Automakers and fuel suppliers have also reiterated that warranties remain valid for E20-compatible vehicles.
Gadkari highlighted the economic and environmental benefits of ethanol blending, including reducing oil imports, lowering emissions, and boosting farmer incomes. “We took the decision to produce ethanol from maize. As a result, maize cultivation in UP, Bihar, and across the country has tripled. This diversification of agriculture into the energy sector directly benefits farmers and strengthens the economy,” he said.
In addition, the minister urged policymakers to offer incentives for cleaner vehicle adoption. “I have requested the Prime Minister and Finance Minister to give GST benefit to consumers who buy new vehicles post scrapping their old vehicles at a verified scrapping centre,” Gadkari added, signaling a continued push for green mobility and energy transition in India.
