‘Name one car’: Nitin Gadkari's big challenge amid criticism over E20 fuel rollout

Nitin Gadkari, India's Union Minister for road transport and highways, has directly challenged critics of the E20 fuel rollout, daring them to identify even one vehicle that has suffered problems because of the 20 percent ethanol-blended petrol. Speaking at the Viksit Bharat Conclave, Gadkari asserted that India's dependence on fossil fuels presents a dual economic and environmental challenge, highlighting the country's annual expenditure of approximately ₹22 lakh crore on fuel imports.

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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 dismissed claims of cars facing issues with E20 petrol as "paid campaigns" spreading "false narratives." He emphasized that India has already achieved its 20 percent ethanol blending target, utilizing ethanol derived from biomass sources like sugarcane, corn, and rice to curb crude oil imports and reduce carbon emissions. Unlike in Brazil, where consumers can choose fuel blends at varying prices, Indian consumers lack this option, and higher ethanol blends are not sold at a discount.

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false narratives are being spread about the roll-out of higher ethanol-blended petrol. These are paid campaigns

Addressing allegations of personal gain from promoting higher ethanol blending, Gadkari clarified that while his family owns sugar factories, their businesses are not solely reliant on ethanol production. He also made a strong case for hydrogen as the next frontier in clean transportation. Gadkari shared his personal use of multiple alternative-fuel vehicles, including electric, flex-fuel, and hydrogen-powered cars, encouraging others to experience the technology firsthand.

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I drive electric, flex-fuel and hydrogen vehicles; I have all three at home right now

"I drive electric, flex-fuel and hydrogen vehicles; I have all three at home right now," Gadkari stated. He recounted his positive experience with a hydrogen car, describing it as superior to a Mercedes, which solidified his belief in the technology's potential. The minister noted a shift in focus from passenger vehicles to heavy commercial transport, mentioning the recent launch of Tata's hydrogen-powered trucks, one utilizing a fuel cell and another an internal combustion engine modified for hydrogen.

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I travel in a hydrogen car. It is better than Mercedes