Archive · 25 Sep 2026
Gadkari Pushes Ethanol Beyond E20 to Boost Farmers, Cut Imports
Nitin Gadkari said India should use more fuels made from sources other than imported oil.
He talked about ethanol, electricity and hydrogen.
Ethanol can be made using crops such as maize.
He said maize prices increased after more maize was used to make ethanol.
This could give farmers more ways to earn money.
The government is considering mixing more than 20 percent ethanol into petrol.
Cars that can use different fuel mixtures are called flex-fuel vehicles.
Using more home-produced energy could make India less dependent on oil bought from other countries.
Nitin Gadkari urged India to expand alternative fuels including ethanol, electricity and hydrogen.
He said greater ethanol production could create additional income opportunities for farmers.
Gadkari cited maize prices rising from about Rs 1,200 to Rs 2,600 per quintal after increased ethanol use.
Tarun Kapoor said the government was considering ethanol blending above the current E20 level and promoting flex-fuel vehicles.
Gadkari said India spends around Rs 22 lakh crore on petroleum imports, which alternative fuels could help reduce.
- Who
- Union minister Nitin Gadkari, with comments also referenced from Prime Minister’s Advisor Tarun Kapoor and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.
- What
- Officials are promoting expanded use of ethanol, flex-fuel vehicles, electricity and hydrogen, including possible ethanol blending above E20.
- When
- Gadkari made the remarks on Friday; Kapoor’s comments came days earlier.
- Where
- At an event in Madhya Pradesh, following the launch of a new state-run bus service.
- Why
- To increase farmer incomes and reduce India’s dependence on imported petroleum and global oil-supply disruptions.
- Current blending level
- E20, or 20 percent ethanol blending, according to the article.
- Proposed direction
- The government is considering ethanol blending at a percentage higher than E20.
- Maize price example
- Prices rose from about Rs 1,200 to Rs 2,600 per quintal after greater ethanol use.
- Petroleum import spending
- Gadkari said India spends around Rs 22 lakh crore on petroleum imports.
- Alternative fuels mentioned
- Ethanol, electricity and hydrogen.
- Vehicle technology
- Flex-fuel vehicles, including vehicles capable of running entirely on ethanol.
- E20 assessment
- Tarun Kapoor described the E20 programme as very successful so far.