Ethanol blending safe for vehicles, boosts farm diversification: Gadkari

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday rejected claims that blending ethanol with petrol damages motor vehicles, asserting that the policy has successfully supported agricultural diversification across India.

Addressing the inaugural session of the Bihar Investor Summit 2026, Gadkari, who oversees Road Transport and Highways, challenged critics to present evidence of vehicle damage attributable to ethanol-blended fuel. "I challenge anybody to come up with the complaint that his or her vehicle has suffered damage on this account," he said, noting that vested interests may promote contrary narratives.

Since 2022, approximately 4 crore four-wheelers and 20 crore two-wheelers have been operating on ethanol-blended petrol across the country, according to the minister. The government's decision to promote ethanol blending was designed to facilitate agricultural sector diversification toward energy and power generation, he explained.

Gadkari emphasized that the initiative represents a fundamental shift in the role of Indian farmers. "Our farmers shall no longer remain 'anna data' (food producers) but also become 'urja data' (energy producers)," he said, highlighting the economic opportunities created by the renewable fuel push. The minister's remarks underscored the government's commitment to promoting both vehicle safety and sustainable agricultural practices.