Nitin Gadkari Rejects Conflict of Interest Claims Over Ethanol, Says ‘It’s a Conspiracy’

Nitin Gadkari Rejects Ethanol Conflict Claims, Calls Allegations ‘Politically Motivated’

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday strongly defended the Centre’s ethanol-blending programme, rejecting allegations of conflict of interest and asserting that the policy neither benefits him personally nor harms vehicles. He also challenged critics to provide evidence that E20 fuel has damaged petrol-powered vehicles.

Dismissing claims that he has a personal financial interest in the ethanol programme, Gadkari said his family’s sugar business existed long before the government’s ethanol policy and that his stake in ethanol production is only 0.07 per cent.

“I gain nothing from the ethanol policy. My share in ethanol production is just 0.07 per cent. With such a small stake, there is no question of any significant financial benefit,” he said.

Rejecting allegations that he influenced the policy for personal gain, Gadkari called the claims baseless.

“A person with a 0.07 per cent stake cannot shape the country’s ethanol policy for personal benefit,” he said, adding that India currently produces around 1,500 crore litres of ethanol annually through nearly 550 production units, making his contribution insignificant.

‘Alternative Fuels Are the Future’

Gadkari said his push has always been for alternative fuels rather than ethanol alone, arguing that the initiative helps reduce India’s dependence on imported crude oil while creating new income opportunities for farmers.

“I don’t talk only about ethanol. I talk about alternative fuels. The use of ethanol benefits farmers and strengthens the country’s energy security,” he said.

He also stressed that the ethanol-blending programme was not an individual decision but one formulated after consultations with the Petroleum Ministry, the Union Cabinet and scientific experts.

“The ethanol policy was framed after extensive scientific research and consultations. It was never a decision taken by me alone,” he said.

Challenges Critics Over E20 Fuel Damage Claims

Responding to concerns that E20 petrol damages vehicles, Gadkari said no credible evidence has been produced to support such claims.

“If anyone’s vehicle has been damaged because of ethanol, they should file a complaint with the dealer as well as my ministry. We will investigate and provide appropriate relief,” he said.

He also questioned critics directly, asking whether they could identify even two people whose petrol vehicles had actually been damaged due to ethanol-blended fuel.

According to Gadkari, major automobile manufacturers, including Maruti Suzuki, Toyota, Tata Motors and Mahindra, have not reported vehicle damage linked to ethanol-blended petrol.

Referring to a recently reported Toyota vehicle case, he said the investigation found that water contamination, not ethanol, was responsible for the malfunction.

He further noted that vehicles undergo years of testing and extensive road trials before being certified for use with ethanol-blended fuel.

‘Attempt to Tarnish My Image’

Calling the controversy politically driven, Gadkari alleged that the allegations were part of an attempt to damage both his reputation and the government’s ethanol programme.

He also pointed out that ethanol-blended fuel is already widely used in countries such as the United States, Brazil, Japan, Germany, Thailand and Sweden, arguing that India’s policy is based on globally accepted practices rather than an experimental approach.

Gadkari’s remarks come amid an ongoing debate over E20 petrol, with some vehicle owners and industry observers raising concerns about its long-term compatibility with older vehicles. The government, however, continues to maintain that there is no conclusive evidence that E20 fuel causes damage when used in vehicles designed or approved for ethanol blends.