‘Why I Strongly Support Ethanol’: Nitin Gadkari Responds to Critics, Explains His Stand

Nitin Gadkari: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has strongly defended the Centre’s push for ethanol-blended fuel, saying the policy is aimed at reducing India’s dependence on imported petroleum, increasing farmers’ income, and cutting air pollution—not serving any personal or business interests.

Speaking in an interview with ABP News, Gadkari responded to criticism over his vocal support for ethanol, including allegations that he has promoted the fuel to benefit a company associated with his son.

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Explaining his position, Gadkari said India spends nearly ₹22 lakh crore every year on importing petrol and diesel. He argued that this money should benefit Indian farmers instead of flowing overseas.

According to Gadkari, nearly 40% of the country’s air pollution is linked to petroleum-based fuels, contributing significantly to health problems in major cities such as Delhi. He said expanding the use of ethanol and other alternative fuels would help reduce pollution while strengthening the rural economy.

Highlighting the impact on agriculture, Gadkari pointed to maize-based ethanol production. He said the market price of maize, which earlier hovered around ₹1,200 per quintal against a Minimum Support Price (MSP) of ₹1,800, has now increased to around ₹2,600–₹2,800 per quintal due to rising demand for ethanol production.

He claimed that ethanol production has generated an additional ₹2 lakh crore in income for farmers across the country.

Rejecting allegations of conflict of interest, Gadkari said his advocacy for alternative fuels predates his tenure in government.

“I have been speaking about self-reliance, indigenous technology, and alternative fuels since 2004, even before I became a minister,” he said, adding that his vision is to transform farmers from being merely food producers into energy producers.

Gadkari also stressed that his support extends beyond ethanol to methanol, hydrogen, and electric vehicles, which he believes are essential for India’s long-term energy security and environmental sustainability.

Reiterating his position, he said his objective has always been to make India self-reliant, reduce farmer distress, create rural employment, and tackle urban pollution. He dismissed suggestions of any personal business interest, noting that there are hundreds of companies operating in the alternative fuel sector and that he does not manufacture hydrogen or electricity himself.

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