MUMBAI : Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari has alleged that a paid campaign is being orchestrated against him for promoting ethanol and other alternative fuels, claiming that fuel importers fear losing business as India reduces its dependence on imported petroleum products.
Speaking at an ABP Majha Event in Mumbai, Gadkari said India spends nearly Rs 22 lakh crore every year on importing petrol, diesel and natural gas, making it essential to expand the use of ethanol and other biofuels.
He said around 40% of the country’s air pollution is caused by vehicles and stressed that India must achieve energy self-reliance, particularly at a time when global conflicts continue to influence fuel prices. Gadkari said he has been advocating the use of alternative fuels and biofuels since 2004.
The minister said he has promoted not only ethanol but also hydrogen-powered and electric vehicles. He added that he personally uses ethanol- and hydrogen-powered vehicles and has encouraged the adoption of electric cars, two-wheelers and tractors.
Gadkari said policies promoting alternative fuels have helped strengthen India’s automobile industry, which he claimed has moved from seventh to third place globally, surpassing Japan.
Referring to criticism of ethanol on social media, Gadkari alleged that the campaign against him was sponsored by vested interests linked to petroleum imports.
According to the minister, companies involved in importing fuel through government tenders see ethanol as a threat to their business and are therefore financing a campaign against his efforts to promote biofuels. He said the allegations being made against ethanol were baseless and would not deter him from continuing his work.
Gadkari said India requires around 1,500 crore litres of ethanol annually and noted that ethanol prices are fixed by the government, with procurement carried out through a transparent tender process.
He also said Indian farmers would begin contributing to the production of aviation fuel within the next five to six months, adding that they would increasingly be recognised not only as food producers but also as fuel producers.
The minister said greater use of ethanol, methanol and other biofuels would significantly reduce India’s dependence on imported fossil fuels and strengthen the country’s energy security.
