Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has alleged that the social media campaign against the E20 fuel was a paid and politically motivated effort. This statement follows concerns and complaints circulating on social media regarding the performance of vehicles using E20 fuel, which is petrol blended with 20% ethanol.

Gadkari has been a strong proponent of ethanol blending, emphasizing its benefits for the Indian economy, the environment, and the agricultural sector. He has consistently dismissed claims that E20 fuel is damaging to vehicle engines, attributing such concerns to a "petroleum lobby" seeking to undermine the government's ethanol blending program.

Speaking at an event organized by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), Gadkari addressed the controversy surrounding E20 petrol, stating that the social media outrage was a paid campaign designed to target him. He and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas have actively countered the negative narratives surrounding E20 fuel. The ministry has refuted claims that E20 causes a drastic drop in fuel efficiency and has accused those questioning the fuel of attempting to "derail" the program by spreading misinformation among car owners.

Gadkari has challenged critics to provide a single instance of a car facing issues due to ethanol-blended petrol. He has stated that authorities have conducted trials on old cars and verified the compatibility of vehicles with E20 fuel. He also pointed out that in Brazil, a higher ethanol blend of 27% is used without complaints.

The promotion of E20 fuel is part of the government's strategy to reduce emissions and cut the fuel import bill. Gadkari has highlighted that India spends ₹22 lakh crore on importing fossil fuels, which also leads to pollution. By promoting the use of ethanol, which can be produced from sugarcane, broken rice, and other agricultural products, the government aims to reduce dependence on foreign oil and boost the rural economy. Gadkari mentioned that the increased demand for corn for ethanol production has led to a rise in corn prices, benefiting farmers in states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

Despite the government's assurances, concerns remain about the impact of E20 on older vehicles that are not E20-compliant. Some experts and service centers have claimed that these vehicles are experiencing more frequent engine wear and gasket failures. The Ministry of Petroleum has acknowledged that there might be a slight dip in mileage, up to 2% in newer vehicles and 6% in older ones, but maintains that regular maintenance can address any potential issues.

Gadkari has also emphasized the potential for India to become a major exporter of automobiles. He noted that the Indian automobile industry's size has grown significantly and that the quality of vehicles manufactured in India is good while production costs are low compared to other countries. He added that the government is working to encourage the use of flex-fuel engines in agricultural equipment vehicles and is promoting the production of electric vehicles.