Ethanol fuel advocacy challenged as false by Gadkari: "Prove me a car damaged from ethanol usage"
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari addressed concerns about ethanol-blended fuel during a recent event, emphasising its safety and performance for vehicles. The Minister's claims are backed by independent studies and official investigations conducted in India.
In his speech, Gadkari mentioned that the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) have conducted thorough testing with no reported vehicle issues. Long-term testing by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, ARAI, the Indian Institute of Petroleum, and Indian Oil Corporation’s R&D teams found no statistically significant differences in engine power, torque, or abnormal wear and tear compared to conventional petrol[1][2][3][4].
While some public and expert surveys have reported concerns like reduced fuel efficiency and component wear in older vehicles, these declines are described as minor (1–2% mileage drop in newer vehicles and 3–6% in older ones) and within acceptable limits[1][3]. Corrosion issues have also been dismissed due to the presence of corrosion inhibitors and compliance with national fuel standards[3]. Gadkari challenged critics to produce any actual examples of vehicle damage linked to E20, and no such instances have been documented publicly[1][2][4].
The Minister also highlighted the role of ethanol-blended fuel in reducing India's oil imports. He questioned whether the 22 lakh crore oil import should not be reduced[5].
In the realm of infrastructure development, Gadkari emphasised the key role of the highway sector. So far, highway projects worth Rs 2.5 lakh crore have been awarded[6]. The minister hopes that the value of these projects will reach Rs 10 lakh crore by the end of the current fiscal[7]. He also mentioned the expediting of domestic lithium mining due to challenges posed by China's rare earth curbs[8].
The price of corn has gone up to Rs 2,600 quintal from Rs 1,200 quintal due to the demand for ethanol[9]. However, the Minister did not mention any specific role of ethanol in the highway sector during the event.
Gadkari also accused the "petroleum lobby" of spreading misinformation about ethanol-blended fuel[5]. The Minister did not mention any specific trade deals during the BusinessToday event.
The Minister also spoke about the potential opportunities and ease of doing business in the mining sector, with all environment clearances completed in six months[6]. He also mentioned taking the contribution of the agriculture sector from 12 per cent to 22 per cent if there is diversification of the energy and power sector[5].
References:
- Ethanol-blended petrol safe for vehicles, say automakers
- Ethanol-blended petrol safe for vehicles, say automakers
- Ethanol-blended petrol safe for vehicles, say automakers
- Ethanol-blended petrol safe for vehicles, say automakers
- Nitin Gadkari questions high oil imports, asks why not reduce 22 lakh crore import bill
- Nitin Gadkari: Government organisations test everything, set standard for ethanol-blended fuel
- Highway projects worth Rs 2.5 lakh crore awarded so far, says Nitin Gadkari
- Nitin Gadkari: Expediting domestic lithium mining due to challenges posed by China's rare earth curbs
- Price of corn goes up due to demand for ethanol
- Gadkari, during his speech, pointed out that the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) conducted extensive testing on ethanol-blended fuel, revealing no significant vehicle issues.
- Long-term testing by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, ARAI, the Indian Institute of Petroleum, and Indian Oil Corporation’s R&D teams found no statistically significant differences in engine power, torque, or abnormal wear and tear compared to conventional petrol.
- Corrosion issues related to ethanol-blended fuel have been dismissed due to the presence of corrosion inhibitors and compliance with national fuel standards.
- Gadkari challenged critics to produce evidence of vehicle damage linked to E20, and no such instances have been documented publicly.
