Nitin Gadkari Defends E20 Petrol Amid Engine Damage Claims

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari defended India's E20 ethanol-blended petrol policy this week, dismissing claims that the fuel causes engine damage. The controversy intensified after vlogger Sourav Joshi posted a video claiming his Mercedes SUV's mileage plummeted from 17 kmpl to 5 kmpl within 48 hours, sparking concerns over mechanical failure.

In response, Mercedes-Benz India issued a customer advisory stating its BS VI petrol vehicles are materially compatible with E20 fuel. Gadkari acknowledged that ethanol's lower calorific value can reduce fuel efficiency, particularly on highways, but asserted that the fuel is safe and that no verified reports of engine failure have reached the government. He urged affected users to verify issues through authorized dealers.

Politically, Aam Aadmi Party National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal requested a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to demand that consumers be given a choice between pure petrol and E20 blends. Kejriwal argued that E20 fuel leads to faster engine wear and demanded a price reduction for the blend due to its lower energy content. He also criticized the government for allegedly labeling opponents of the policy as anti-nationals.

Gadkari maintained that the program is essential for national energy security and economic stability, citing the need to reduce dependence on crude imports and lower the national petroleum import bill. He noted the policy supports farmers and aims for carbon neutrality by 2070.