New Delhi: In a sharp rebuttal to the growing public and political outcry surrounding ethanol-blended fuel, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has issued an open challenge to critics, daring them to name a single vehicle that has suffered engine damage due to E20 petrol.
Addressing the ongoing debate, the minister dismissed allegations of engine failure and reduced mileage as a “paid campaign” orchestrated by vested interests. “There is no case of any car facing issues due to E20 petrol. Has there been any car in the country that faced issues due to the use of E20 petrol? Just name one,” Gadkari stated, categorizing the backlash as a deliberate misinformation effort.
The controversy stems from widespread concerns among motorists, who have expressed fears regarding potential engine corrosion, damage to fuel system components like gaskets and seals, and a drop in overall fuel efficiency. The issue has recently gained political momentum, with leaders like Aam Aadmi Party’s Arvind Kejriwal demanding written assurances from major automakers regarding the impact of the fuel on existing vehicle fleets.
However, the government has maintained a firm stance, citing data from the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). According to officials, extensive testing—including trials where older vehicles were driven for over one lakh kilometres—has shown no significant impact on vehicle performance, driveability, or metal compatibility.
Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri also weighed in, terming the concerns a “misinterpretation.” Puri emphasized that automobile manufacturers and service providers have reported no difficulty with the E20 blend, which has been in circulation since April 2025. He further clarified that any talk of moving to higher blends like E25 remains premature, as rigorous testing is still ongoing to ensure vehicle safety and compatibility.
Defending the Ethanol Blending Programme as a cornerstone of India’s energy security, the government highlights that the initiative significantly reduces the nation’s heavy import bill on fossil fuels while providing a crucial income boost to farmers. Officials maintain that the shift to E20 is a strategic move for a cleaner, self-reliant India, dismissing claims of widespread mechanical failures as unfounded.