.jpg)
Gadkari slams social media rumours on E20 fuel: 'One lakh km test, no adverse effects!'
New Delhi, December 11, 2025: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, strongly refuted the rumours and allegations circulating on social media regarding E20 fuel in the Lok Sabha. "The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) conducted a one lakh kilometer test on ethanol-blended fuel, and no adverse effects were found," Gadkari said. He dismissed claims on social media about engine damage, reduced mileage, and frequent visits to petrol pumps as 'paid trolling' and challenged them to provide verification.
During the winter session of the Lok Sabha, Gadkari and Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri provided detailed information about the benefits of the E20 policy. The Indian government is promoting this policy of blending 20 percent ethanol in petrol, which will reduce dependence on crude oil imports and directly benefit farmers. "India imports crude oil worth ?22 lakh crore every year. The aim is to completely stop these imports through the use of ethanol," Gadkari said. This policy has so far resulted in ?40,000 crore being directly deposited into farmers' accounts.
Significance of the ARAI test
ARAI ran an older vehicle on E20 fuel for one lakh kilometers. The test did not reveal any damage to the engine or other parts. There were no difficulties in starting or driving the vehicle, nor was the mileage affected. "Show me if the engine is damaged," Gadkari challenged the social media critics. Allegations were also made on social media regarding Gadkari's son setting up an ethanol factory, but he denied those as well. Benefits for farmers and the environment
Ethanol production now relies on maize (46-48 percent) along with wheat and sugarcane, which is fetching better prices for farmers and has led to an increase in maize cultivation. This 'green fuel' reduces carbon dioxide emissions by up to 65 percent, which is equivalent to planting 300 million trees. It will also lead to a 20 percent reduction in crude oil imports worth $150 billion, thereby strengthening the economy.
New Delhi, December 11, 2025: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, strongly refuted the rumours and allegations circulating on social media regarding E20 fuel in the Lok Sabha. "The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) conducted a one lakh kilometer test on ethanol-blended fuel, and no adverse effects were found," Gadkari said. He dismissed claims on social media about engine damage, reduced mileage, and frequent visits to petrol pumps as 'paid trolling' and challenged them to provide verification.
During the winter session of the Lok Sabha, Gadkari and Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri provided detailed information about the benefits of the E20 policy. The Indian government is promoting this policy of blending 20 percent ethanol in petrol, which will reduce dependence on crude oil imports and directly benefit farmers. "India imports crude oil worth ?22 lakh crore every year. The aim is to completely stop these imports through the use of ethanol," Gadkari said. This policy has so far resulted in ?40,000 crore being directly deposited into farmers' accounts.
Significance of the ARAI test
ARAI ran an older vehicle on E20 fuel for one lakh kilometers. The test did not reveal any damage to the engine or other parts. There were no difficulties in starting or driving the vehicle, nor was the mileage affected. "Show me if the engine is damaged," Gadkari challenged the social media critics. Allegations were also made on social media regarding Gadkari's son setting up an ethanol factory, but he denied those as well. Benefits for farmers and the environment
Ethanol production now relies on maize (46-48 percent) along with wheat and sugarcane, which is fetching better prices for farmers and has led to an increase in maize cultivation. This 'green fuel' reduces carbon dioxide emissions by up to 65 percent, which is equivalent to planting 300 million trees. It will also lead to a 20 percent reduction in crude oil imports worth $150 billion, thereby strengthening the economy.
During the winter session of the Lok Sabha, Gadkari and Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri provided detailed information about the benefits of the E20 policy. The Indian government is promoting this policy of blending 20 percent ethanol in petrol, which will reduce dependence on crude oil imports and directly benefit farmers. "India imports crude oil worth ?22 lakh crore every year. The aim is to completely stop these imports through the use of ethanol," Gadkari said. This policy has so far resulted in ?40,000 crore being directly deposited into farmers' accounts.
Significance of the ARAI test
ARAI ran an older vehicle on E20 fuel for one lakh kilometers. The test did not reveal any damage to the engine or other parts. There were no difficulties in starting or driving the vehicle, nor was the mileage affected. "Show me if the engine is damaged," Gadkari challenged the social media critics. Allegations were also made on social media regarding Gadkari's son setting up an ethanol factory, but he denied those as well. Benefits for farmers and the environment
Ethanol production now relies on maize (46-48 percent) along with wheat and sugarcane, which is fetching better prices for farmers and has led to an increase in maize cultivation. This 'green fuel' reduces carbon dioxide emissions by up to 65 percent, which is equivalent to planting 300 million trees. It will also lead to a 20 percent reduction in crude oil imports worth $150 billion, thereby strengthening the economy.
