Gadkari Says Ethanol‑Mixed Petrol Shows No Harm to Cars

December 11, 2025

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday told the Lok Sabha that extensive testing of ethanol‑blended petrol   especially fuel mixed with 20 % ethanol (E20)   has shown no adverse impact on cars or their engines. Addressing concerns raised by lawmakers about vehicle compatibility and performance, Gadkari emphasized that vehicles running on ethanol‑mixed petrol have performed well, with no significant technical issues reported, according to government tests shared in Parliament.

Delhi: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari says, “The Government of India has officially approved the use of E20 fuel in the country. Currently, petrol contains 20% ethanol. We have tested it in older vehicles as well, covering almost 100,000 kilometers, and the government’s technical… pic.twitter.com/DJ0x2gmhwf

— IANS (@ians_india) December 11, 2025

Benefits for Environment and Farmers

Gadkari underscored that ethanol‑blended fuel is part of India’s ongoing transition toward cleaner energy and has played a significant role in reducing pollution and dependence on imported crude oil. He noted that the move has also benefited farmers, with around ₹40,000 crore paid for raw materials such as sugarcane and maize used in ethanol production   helping rural incomes and supporting agricultural value chains.

The minister further highlighted that India’s ethanol‑blending programme has helped the country save more than ₹1.40 lakh crore in foreign exchange by substituting imported fuel with domestically produced ethanol.

E20 Petrol and Vehicle Performance

In his response during Question Hour, Gadkari said that vehicles using E20 petrol had undergone extensive testing and no negative impact on performance or components has been found. He stressed that the introduction of ethanol‑mixed petrol is a “healthy trend” that supports environmental goals while maintaining engine reliability.

The statement comes against the backdrop of ongoing public debate, where some car owners and industry voices have expressed concerns about fuel efficiency, mileage, or possible engine wear with higher ethanol blends, particularly in older vehicles. However, the government has consistently maintained that such fears are largely unfounded and unsupported by scientific evidence.

Government Stance on Future of Ethanol Blending

Gadkari’s assurances align with the broader policy push under the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme, which aims to achieve higher ethanol content in petrol as part of India’s renewable energy goals. The initiative not only helps reduce the carbon footprint of transportation but also boosts economic returns for farmers and enhances energy security by lowering fossil fuel reliance.

As the ethanol‑blending target moves toward the 20 % benchmark, the government continues to address public concerns while highlighting environmental advantages and strategic energy savings