Amid growing pressure and controversy gasoline mixed with ethanol (E20).Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has said that vehicle owners can opt for 100% petrol but will have to shell out more money while still defending the scheme.
The minister, in an interview with Times of Indiacontinued to dismiss claims and concerns about engine damage from E20 gasoline, which contains 20% ethanol, saying there is misinformation on social media and insisted there have been no complaints from the government.
When asked if E10 gasoline would be available at gas pumps along the E20 side, Gadkari said the country has already progressed to the 20% ethanol blend.
“How is it possible when we have reached the 20% ethanol blend and E20 fuel is available at every gas station in the country? People who don’t want ethanol blended fuel can go for 100% gasoline, but they will have to pay more,” he said in the interview.
Gadkari said the decision to offer multiple blends of ethanol at petrol pumps rests with the Petroleum Ministry.
“It will not be appropriate for me to comment as it is up to the Ministry of Petroleum to decide. At some petrol pumps people have the option of buying E85 (85% ethanol blended petrol) for use in flexible fuel vehicles (FFV). Over half a dozen vehicle manufacturers are ready to launch such vehicles. E85 costs less than E20. So people have a choice.”
‘Politically motivated campaign’
Addressing criticism of the ethanol policy, Gadkari alleged that a politically motivated disinformation campaign was being waged against him and the government.
“The campaign is politically motivated. Some people are targeting me and the government. There is also misinformation about E20 fuel damaging engines. All E10 compliant vehicles are suitable for using E20 fuel. There have been no complaints so far about engine damaging fuel,” he said.
He added that car manufacturers have supported the use of E20 fuel and claimed that there were no complaints from vehicle owners.
“Maruti Suzuki has declared it publicly. Automakers offer warranty for cars. There are people in your office who use two-wheelers and petrol cars, how many have faced problems? A few days ago I had asked them to write to my Ministry in case they have any problems with their cars. There have been no complaints so far,” he said.
Fuel efficiency decreases slightly
Gadkari acknowledged the fact that ethanol has a lower calorific value than petrol and said the impact on fuel efficiency was marginal and mostly noticeable during high-speed driving.
“E20 fuel was launched after it was properly tested. Mileage wise, in city traffic in Delhi or Mumbai, you won’t see any big difference, there might be some loss when you are driving at high speed on Delhi-Mumbai highway. I have always said that there is a little mileage loss due to lower calorific value of ethanol compared to petrol,” he said.
The statement comes a day after Gadkari said that an average can owner cannot “measure” the mileage on his own. He had said that only authorized dealers can calculate the mileage of a vehicle.
“Little Bit of Boys’ Business”
Gadkari also denied allegations of conflict of interest over his family’s sugar business. He said that ethanol production is only a small part of its operations and its price is decided by the Union Cabinet.
“That business is run by my sons, the program is run by the Ministry of Petroleum and the price is set by the Cabinet. So I have no influence on it. Ethanol is only 10% of the business and the factories run by my sons have less than 0.5% of the ethanol business in the country. The companies have a debt of Rs 600 crore, claiming it is Rs 600 crore. Adding that the program extends beyond sugarcane to include raw materials. such as corn, rice, straw and bamboo, benefiting farmers by promoting cleaner energy.
Gadkari termed blended fuel as one of the cleanest alternatives, adding that the government’s push is aimed at reducing vehicular pollution and cutting India’s dependence on imported crude oil.
Controversy about E20 gasoline
Since April 1, the Center has mandated the sale of E20 petrol at all petrol pumps across the country, sparking concerns among sections of vehicle owners and experts over its impact on engine performance, fuel efficiency and compatibility of older vehicles.
The government hit the 20% ethanol blend target ahead of schedule and claims that all E10-compliant gasoline vehicles can safely run on E20 fuel. However, some drivers have reported concerns about reduced mileage because ethanol has a lower energy content than gasoline.
The government has repeatedly countered what it called misinformation about India’s E20 ethanol blending program. Last week, it issued a detailed 10-point clarification on engine damage, water consumption, vehicle warranties, fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said the E20 program is supported by scientific studies, regulatory safeguards and international experience.
