‘This Is a Conspiracy’: Nitin Gadkari Denies Ethanol Conflict Allegations

‘I Gain Nothing’: Gadkari Rejects Ethanol Conflict Claims, Defends E20 Fuel Policy

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday rejected allegations of conflict of interest over the Centre’s ethanol-blending programme, insisting he has no personal financial gain from the policy and dismissing claims that E20 petrol damages vehicles. Calling the allegations a “conspiracy” to tarnish his image, Gadkari challenged critics to produce evidence of vehicles being harmed by ethanol-blended fuel.

Addressing concerns over his family’s involvement in the sugar industry, Gadkari said his share in ethanol production is just 0.07 per cent, making allegations of personal benefit “completely baseless.” “I gain nothing from the ethanol policy. My share in ethanol production is only 0.07 per cent. With such a small stake, there is no question of any significant financial benefit,” he said.

The minister added that India’s ethanol industry currently produces around 1,500 crore litres annually through nearly 550 ethanol units, of which his contribution is negligible.

‘Policy Was Not Framed by Me Alone’

Rejecting suggestions that he influenced the policy for personal gain, Gadkari said the ethanol programme was formulated through a collective decision-making process involving the Petroleum Ministry, the Union Cabinet and scientific experts.

“I did not make the ethanol policy alone. It was finalised after consultations with the Petroleum Ministry, the Cabinet and scientific research,” he said.

Gadkari reiterated that his focus has always been on promoting alternative fuels, saying ethanol helps reduce India’s dependence on imported crude oil while creating an additional source of income for farmers.

“I don’t talk only about ethanol. I talk about alternative fuels. The use of ethanol benefits farmers and strengthens the country’s energy security,” he said.

Challenges Critics on E20 Fuel Damage

Responding to allegations that E20 petrol harms engines, Gadkari said no credible evidence has been presented to support the claim. “If anyone’s vehicle has been damaged because of ethanol, they should file a complaint with the dealer and also with my ministry. We will investigate and provide relief,” he said.

He also questioned critics, asking them to identify even two people personally known to them whose petrol vehicles had been damaged because of ethanol-blended fuel. According to Gadkari, leading automobile manufacturers, including Maruti Suzuki, Toyota, Tata Motors and Mahindra, have not reported any widespread complaints linking E20 fuel to vehicle damage.

Citing a recent case involving a Toyota vehicle, he said the investigation concluded that water contamination, and not ethanol, caused the problem. He further noted that vehicles approved for ethanol blends undergo years of testing and extensive road trials before receiving regulatory clearance.

‘Attempt to Defame Me’

Describing the controversy as politically motivated, Gadkari alleged there was a deliberate attempt to discredit both him and the government’s ethanol initiative.

He also pointed out that ethanol-blended fuel has been successfully adopted in countries such as the United States, Brazil, Japan, Germany, Thailand and Sweden, arguing that India’s policy follows globally accepted practices rather than an experimental model.

Gadkari’s remarks come amid continuing debate over E20 petrol, with some vehicle owners and experts raising concerns about its long-term compatibility with older vehicles. The Centre, however, maintains that there is no scientific evidence proving E20 fuel causes damage to vehicles approved for ethanol-blended petrol.