Nitin Gadkari Rides Flex Fuel Car, Calls Bio-Ethanol Pollution-Free & Cost-Effective

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari was seen riding in a flex-fuel Toyota vehicle that runs entirely on ethanol, emphasizing its ability to reduce pollution, enhance the earnings of farmers, and lessen India's reliance on imported fossil fuels. He mentioned that a greater adoption of ethanol-fueled vehicles will contribute to the gradual elimination of India's imports of fossil fuels such as petrol.

Riding in a flex fuel car in Delhi, the Union Minister mentioned that the car was operating on 100 percent ethanol. He mentioned that the car is far more economical compared to petrol-powered vehicles. Talking to journalists, the minister said, " It is priced at Rs 65 per litre, while petrol is Rs 120 per litre. The car, while in use, creates 60 percent of electricity. So, effectively, the actual cost of a flex-fuel car running on ethanol will cost a person around Rs 25 per litre."

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Talking about the benefits, Nitin Gadkari mentioned that the production of ethanol directly benefits farmers because it is produced from agricultural byproducts. He said, "Farmers produce ethanol by using broken rice, corn, sugarcane juice, stubble, and other things. It does not create pollution at all. This is green fuel, and we import fossil fuels from outside. The farmers of our country will benefit from this."

The Union Minister also said that ethanol helps reduce pollution and reliance on imports of fossil fuels. It also helps in potentially reducing long-term ownership costs while increasing power and torque output. To improve the availability of fuel, India has around 550 ethanol plants with 20 percent ethanol blended fuel already available in the country.

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Gadkari also pointed out that many leading two-wheeler manufacturers have released models that can run on 100 percent ethanol. Additionally, an ethanol-CNG tractor is set to be introduced, and "all major automakers will soon manufacture vehicles equipped with flex engines," he stated. Indian Oil is currently managing approximately 400 ethanol pumps.

In a separate statement, Nitin Gadkari had stated that studies supported by the government indicate no major performance problems or damage to components resulting from the use of petrol blended with 20 percent ethanol (E20). In a written reply to Parliament, he also mentioned that there are no plans for a compensation fund for damages related to E20, despite ongoing concerns voiced by vehicle owners.

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This clarification followed an inquiry from MP Derek O'Brien, who requested comprehensive data on complaints concerning E20, including reports of engine damage, loss of mileage, warranty denials, and insurance refusals. He also inquired whether there was a breakdown of such cases by manufacturer and insurer, and if the government would consider creating a compensation system.