Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has hit back at criticism surrounding the rollout of E20 petrol, alleging that a paid campaign is being run to create confusion among the public. Speaking at an event, Gadkari said the transition to 20 percent ethanol-blended petrol is a crucial step toward reducing India’s dependence on fossil fuels and cutting down on pollution.

He highlighted that blending ethanol with petrol will benefit farmers by increasing demand for sugarcane and maize while also saving the country’s foreign exchange reserves. “E20 is not just an environmental move, it is an economic reform,” Gadkari emphasized, adding that misinformation is being spread to stall the government’s green initiatives.

The minister also assured that automobile manufacturers have been given adequate time to adjust to the new fuel standards and that concerns over vehicle compatibility are being addressed. Industry experts note that while the shift may initially face resistance, long-term benefits in terms of cost savings and cleaner emissions will outweigh the challenges.

Gadkari’s remarks come amid a heated debate on the economic and technical impact of ethanol blending, but the government remains firm on its commitment to push forward with cleaner fuel alternatives.