New Delhi: Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday dismissed recent criticism of E20 fuel, 20% ethanol blended with 80% petrol, as “propaganda” driven by the petrol lobby.
Speaking at the annual auto retail conclave organised by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), Gadkari said concerns circulating on social media about reduced mileage and engine efficiency were not based on facts. “There are lobbies everywhere. Some propaganda is there on social media. It is sponsored by some people. The petrol lobby is very rich and strong,” he said, urging FADA to support the government’s ethanol blending programme.
Last month, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry also clarified that fears over fuel efficiency loss were “misplaced” and warned that reverting to pure petrol would undermine gains in pollution reduction and energy transition.
Beyond ethanol, Gadkari addressed broader issues in the automobile sector. He noted that India had overcome the semiconductor shortage by starting domestic production and said startups were advancing research in battery chemistries, including sodium-ion, lithium-ion, and aluminium-ion batteries. He also pointed to the potential of scrappage policies in recovering rare earth metals needed for electric mobility.
On the future of petrol and diesel vehicles, Gadkari said demand would remain strong despite the push for alternative fuels. “The demand for petrol and diesel vehicles is still going to increase… because the growth in automobile manufacturing is about 15–20%. The international market is also very huge,” he said.
Highlighting the industry’s rapid expansion, the minister noted that India’s automobile sector had grown from ₹14 lakh crore to ₹22 lakh crore during his tenure, making it the third largest globally after the US and China. He expressed confidence that India could eventually become the world leader by focusing on biofuels, new technologies, and cost-efficient vehicle production.
“The future of this industry is very good,” Gadkari said, adding that global manufacturers recognise India’s domestic and export potential.
