11-SEP-2025,02:36PM Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gakdari, has once again found himself at the centre of a heated debate—this time over the much-talked-about E20 fuel policy. Addressing media reports and public concerns regarding the challenges associated with E20 (a fuel blend of 20% ethanol and 80% petrol), Gakdari claimed that a “paid campaign” was being run against him to malign his image and stall the country’s clean energy initiatives. His remarks come at a time when India is pushing aggressively towards alternative fuels to cut down dependency on crude oil imports and reduce carbon emissions.
Nitin Gakdari : Response to Criticism
Nitin Gakdari :”A Paid Campaign Against Me”
Nitin Gakdari strongly refuted claims that the E20 fuel policy would harm vehicle performance or damage engines. He suggested that the wave of criticism surrounding E20 was not organic but rather part of a deliberate attempt funded by vested interests to create panic among consumers.
Nitin GakdarI : Clean Energy Transition Cannot Be Stalled
According to Gakdari, India cannot afford to delay its transition to green fuels. He reminded critics that ethanol blending had already helped India save thousands of crores in oil imports, and the E20 policy was a natural progression toward sustainability.
Nitin Gakdari : What is E20 Fuel and Why the Debate?
Nitin Gakdari : Understanding the E20 Blend
E20 fuel is a mixture of 20% ethanol and 80% petrol. Ethanol, produced from crops like sugarcane and maize, is a biofuel that helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provides farmers with additional income sources.
Nitin Gakdari : Concerns from Automobile Stakeholders
Several automobile manufacturers and users have raised concerns about whether vehicles are compatible with E20. Complaints include reduced mileage, engine wear, and higher maintenance costs. Critics argue that the government must ensure proper infrastructure and vehicle readiness before pushing large-scale adoption.
Nitin Gakdari : Defense of the E20 Policy
Nitin Gakdari : Ethanol as the Future of India’s Energy Security
Nitin Gakdari has long been a champion of ethanol-blended fuel. He emphasized that E20 is not just an environmental solution but also a key to India’s economic independence, as it reduces dependency on expensive crude oil imports.
Nitin Gakdari : Addressing Vehicle Compatibility Issues
He assured the public that vehicle manufacturers had already been informed about producing E20-compatible engines. According to him, misinformation regarding the performance of E20 vehicles is being deliberately spread by groups who feel threatened by India’s move towards green fuels.
The Role of Lobbying and Resistance
Oil Industry Pushback
Industry insiders believe that sections of the traditional petroleum industry may be resisting the transition because of its impact on their profits. Nitin Gakdari hinted that such lobbies could be behind the so-called “paid campaign.”
Automobile Industry Divisions
While some automobile companies are already rolling out E20-compatible vehicles, others remain hesitant. The lack of uniformity in readiness has fueled public confusion.
Public Perception and Media Coverage
The Rise of Social Media Rumors
Much of the controversy has been amplified on social media platforms, where users claim that E20 causes engine trouble. Gakdari dismissed these as exaggerated claims, arguing that misinformation was being systematically circulated.
Paid Campaign Narrative
By calling it a “paid campaign,” Nitin Gakdari has shifted the spotlight onto the credibility of these allegations. His strong response suggests that the government views the debate as more political than technical.
India’s Ethanol Journey So Far
Achievements in Ethanol Blending
India has already achieved 10% ethanol blending ahead of schedule, saving nearly ₹50,000 crore in fuel imports. Gakdari highlighted this milestone as evidence of the feasibility of scaling up to E20.
Benefits for Farmers
Another key point raised by Nitin Gakdari is the benefit to farmers. Ethanol production uses agricultural residues, providing farmers with additional income and reducing crop waste.
Global Context of E20 Fuel
Learning from International Models
Countries like Brazil have successfully adopted ethanol blends of up to 27%. Gakdari noted that India’s E20 transition was modeled on such successful global examples.
Positioning India as a Clean Energy Leader
The minister stressed that adopting E20 would help India align with its climate goals and commitments made at international forums like COP summits.
Challenges Ahead
Infrastructure Limitations
India’s fuel distribution system will need significant upgrades to supply E20 nationwide. Petrol pumps and refineries must adapt to handle blended fuels efficiently.
Consumer Awareness
Educating consumers about the benefits and precautions of using E20 will be crucial to counter misinformation. Gakdari has called upon media houses and policymakers to spread accurate information.
Conclusion
The controversy around E20 fuel has taken a political turn with Nitin Gakdari alleging that a “paid campaign” is being run against him. While challenges regarding infrastructure, vehicle compatibility, and consumer perception remain, the government’s stance is clear: India cannot afford to step back from its green energy commitments.
Gakdari’s firm defense of the E20 policy highlights both the opportunities and the resistance that come with transformative reforms. As the debate continues, it is evident that India’s ethanol journey will play a critical role in shaping not only the country’s energy security but also its environmental future. With Nitin Gakdari leading the charge, the push for E20 reflects a broader vision of self-reliance, sustainability, and resilience in the face of global energy challenges.
Source : ANI
