Federal Minister Nitin Gadkari made a statement on Thursday regarding the central government's program for ethanol blending, rejecting claims that adding ethanol to gasoline damages vehicles. He also emphasized that this policy opens up new opportunities for farmers, allowing them to diversify their production beyond food products.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the Bihar Investors Summit 2026, Gadkari stated that millions of vehicles have been running on ethanol-blended gasoline since 2022, and according to him, there have been no mass complaints about breakdowns.
Gadkari challenged those who dispute this position, noting: 'I challenge anyone to provide a complaint that their vehicle has been damaged because of this. Of course, those with personal interests might tell a different story,' he said, holding portfolios for road transport and highways.
The Minister explained that the goal of this policy was not only to reduce dependence on traditional fuels but also to create an additional market for agricultural products. He noted: 'We must understand that the decision to blend ethanol with gasoline was made with the aim of diversifying agriculture towards energy and energy sectors... Our farmers will no longer be just 'anna data' (food producers), but also 'urja data' (energy producers). '
According to Gadkari, approximately 40 million four-wheeled and 20 million two-wheeled vehicles have been operating on ethanol-blended gasoline since 2022. He also asserted that major automakers have tested vehicles using higher concentrations of ethanol, including 100% ethanol.
Highlighting the economic benefit, Gadkari added: 'Of course, we import (traditional fuel) worth 22 lakh crore, and those whose business activities are allegedly affected will inevitably feel bad. But let me tell you, I am the minister responsible for the relevant department; all leading automotive brands have tried to operate their vehicles even on 100 percent ethanol. And no complaints have been received.'
The Minister linked ethanol production to increased farmer income, pointing out that using corn to produce ethanol has brought additional earnings to farmers in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. He asked: 'After the Union government decided to produce ethanol from corn, and it was used for the aforementioned purposes, it has led to an additional income of up to 45,000 crore for farmers in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Is it not preferable to serve the interests of those from whom we import (fuel)? '
Gadkari cited examples of other efforts to develop alternative fuels, including aviation fuel made from agricultural waste. He mentioned that they even created aviation fuel from rice straw, stating: 'The future belongs to innovation, technology, and research. And a state like Bihar must play a key role in this direction.'
Turning to Bihar's investment potential, Gadkari reported that the state can expand its economic base through sectors such as tourism. He also drew attention to the international demand for mahana, a crop widely grown in the state. He highly praised the leadership of Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, describing Bihar as a region with significant economic potential and stating: 'Under the leadership of Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, the state is bound to reach new heights.'
Meanwhile, Choudhary, speaking at the summit, urged investors to establish businesses in Bihar and assured them of access to a large market if their products meet the established standards.