Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday once again called out the “petroleum lobby” for spreading “completely false” information over the use of Ethanol. In an interview with Moneycontrol, Gadkari dismissed the claims that E20 fuel is damaging the engines of many vehicles. 

“This is completely false. We have done trials on old cars. In Brazil, they do 27% blending but there have been no complaints…we have verified everything on technical grounds,” Gadkari told Moneycontrol.

Earlier this month while speaking at the BusinessToday India@100 event, Gadkari had said, “By putting 20% Ethanol-blended Petrol, has there been any car in the country that has faced issues? Just name one.” Soon after his statement, several people shared their grievances on social media and news related to vehicle breakdowns after using E20 fuel started coming to fore.

At the event, Gadkari first claimed that a disinformation campaign to dismiss the idea of “cleaner fuel” is underway by the “petroleum lobby”. Notably, it was also found that the government apparently did social media collaborations with influencers and RJs to create awareness regarding the use of E20 fuel in vehicles.

E20 blending target achieved five years in advance

Interestingly, in July this year, India achieved its target of 20% ethanol blending with petrol five years ahead of its schedule. The step is part of the Centre’s strategy to reduce emissions and cut the fuel import bill.

“Our policy is import substitution, pollution-free and cost-effective. Ethanol is a very good fuel. Shouldn’t people improve their health?” the Moneycontrol report further quoted him as saying.

According to Moneycontrol, Gadkari also stressed on the positives of the E20 fuel production on agriculture. “Corn production has gone up three times in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The average price of maize has risen from Rs 14,000–15,000 per tonne to Rs 24,000–25,000 per tonne in the past four years,” the minister said.

However, according to industry experts, meeting ethanol demand could divert food crops, since the fuel is derived not only from sugarcane molasses but also from maize, rice and surplus food grains.

Oil ministry also counters engine damage claims

The Oil Ministry, in a statement earlier this month, rejected concerns over fuel efficiency of E20.

It accused people questioning the E20 fuel of attempting to “derail” the programme by spreading misinformation among car owners. “A false narrative is being created that insurance companies will not cover vehicle damage caused by E20. This fear mongering is totally baseless and has been clarified by an insurance company whose tweet screenshot was deliberately misinterpreted to create fear and confusion. Usage of E20 fuel has no impact on the validity of insurance of vehicles in India,” the ministry had said.