Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has dismissed allegations that he personally benefited from the government’s ethanol blending programme, calling the claims politically motivated and based on misinformation.
In an interview with The Times of India, Gadkari said the sugar and ethanol businesses run by his sons have only a minimal presence in the industry and that he has no role in their management or operations.
He said ethanol accounts for only around 10% of their business, while their companies hold less than 0.5% of India’s ethanol market. Gadkari also pointed out that the businesses have debts of nearly ₹1,600 crore, arguing that allegations of personal financial gain are baseless.
The minister noted that India’s ethanol blending programme was initiated during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA government and continued under the UPA government, with support from former Petroleum Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar.
Gadkari said his support for ethanol is part of a broader strategy to promote alternative fuels, reduce vehicular pollution and lower India’s dependence on imported crude oil. Besides sugarcane-based ethanol, he has consistently advocated ethanol produced from maize, rice, crop residue and bamboo, along with methanol, hydrogen and electric mobility.
Responding to criticism over E20 petrol, Gadkari rejected claims that the fuel damages vehicle engines. He said all E10-compatible vehicles can safely use E20 fuel and referred to statements by Maruti Suzuki, which found no evidence of engine-related issues caused by ethanol-blended petrol.
He added that while ethanol-blended fuel may slightly reduce fuel efficiency because of its lower energy content, the difference is limited and less noticeable in normal city driving.
On demands to continue supplying lower ethanol blends such as E10, Gadkari said India has already achieved nationwide 20% ethanol blending, making E20 the standard fuel. Consumers who prefer pure petrol can still purchase it, but at a higher price.
Highlighting international examples, Gadkari pointed to countries such as Brazil, Indonesia and Thailand, which have expanded the use of biofuels. He said ethanol blending benefits farmers, reduces fossil fuel imports and supports cleaner transportation.
“There is a concerted effort to target me and the government,” Gadkari said, maintaining that his advocacy of alternative fuels is driven solely by national policy objectives rather than any personal interest.
