Gadkari wanted two ethanol victims, we'll present six: Protesters on E20 dare

The challenge has been accepted. A day after Union Minister Nitin Gadkari asked critics of the E20 petrol rollout to present one victim of ethanol-blended fuel, protesters on Thursday said they would present not one but six such people. Their only condition: Gadkari should meet them before mediapersons. The Minister for Road Transport and Highways had on Wednesday, in an exclusive interview with India Today TV, dared the ethanol critics.

The government has made the sale of petrol blended with 20% ethanol or E20 mandatory. With around 80% of vehicles compatible with just E10, people have been claiming that they were witnessing not just a drop in mileage but also wear and tear in their vehicles. The Centre has junked these claims and fielded experts to assure people that E20 was fine even for their E10 vehicles, which the critics are refusing to buy.

Activist and entrepreneur Tehseen Poonawalla, who led the first protest against E20 fuel at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar last Sunday under the banner of Team Bharat, accepted Gadkari's challenge and issued a video message. He had earlier planned to take the E20 victims to Gadkari's residence but said that Delhi Police had contacted him and asked him to refrain from reaching the minister's house.

"We accepted the challenge of Nitin Gadkari ji and, according to his challenge, wanted to meet such people whose cars have developed some problem due to E20... We have six such people, but we cannot arrange a meeting with Nitin Gadkari ji. We absolutely cannot go to his house. If we go, we will be detained or arrested," said Poonawalla.

In the video message, Poonawalla said, "Sir, you are the one who gave this challenge, but we cannot meet you? Either Delhi Police should arrange a meeting with you, or you should give us an appointment. But we have only one condition — that any appointment or conversation or discussion should be in front of the media and live-streamed. We will show you those people whose cars have problems [from E20 fuel]."

"I have people with me whose cars have developed issues. Please give me an appointment," he added.

GADKARI'S CHALLENGE CAME ON INDIA TODAY TV'S INTERVIEW

In an interview with India Today TV on Wednesday, Gadkari rejected the criticism of the Ethanol Blended Petrol programme and defended its implementation. "No one has proven that E20 caused damage to any petrol vehicle," he said.

He then challenged critics to "name even two people whose cars failed solely due to ethanol". He stated that complaints could be filed with dealers or the ministry, which would investigate each case and provide relief if ethanol was found responsible.

Gadkari, whose family is into the ethanol business, also tried to counter the conflict-of-interest allegations.

"I gain nothing from the ethanol policy. My share in ethanol production is just 0.07%. With such a small stake, there is no question of any significant financial benefit," said Gadkari to India Today TV.

According to reports, India produces nearly 1,500 crore litres of ethanol annually through around 550 units.

Poonawalla disputed Gadkari's defence.

"Yesterday, you [Gadkari] said that your family has only 0.07% share in the ethanol business. Your children, both your sons who are in the ethanol business — sir, this is around Rs 50 to 100 crore annually and the ethanol business keeps growing," he said. He described it as a conflict of interest. "This is a 'beta badhao' scheme. With great humility, I am asking you for an appointment," he said.

WHY ARE PEOPLE PROTESTING AGAINST E20 PETROL?

The dispute stems from the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme. The programme aims to reduce reliance on imported crude oil, boost farmer incomes, and cut emissions. The National Policy on Biofuels 2018 targeted 20% ethanol blending by 2030. The government advanced the timeline, achieving E20 nationwide in December 2025, five years ahead of schedule. Full rollout across fuel stations occurred in 2026.

Officials and industry representatives highlight several benefits, such as E20 raising the octane rating of petrol to around 95, improving combustion in modern engines. However, people have said there was no such benefit and their vehicles' mileage reduced, and many have even claimed their vehicles broke down.

Motorists say that the 20% ethanol component in E20 petrol damaged the rubber components of the fuel injection system. A study by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) found that the use of E20 petrol in E10-compatible vehicles can damage fuel-system rubber parts. The report hasn't been made public yet.

Public concerns continue despite these assurances. Social media platforms feature widespread claims that vehicles have broken down or experienced issues after using E20. Users have shared videos showing the blended fuel apparently separating or disintegrating when placed in transparent bottles. Many have reported mileage drops of 10-20%, especially in vehicles made before 2023, along with problems such as rough idling, clogged fuel systems, and increased maintenance needs. Pre-BS6 vehicles are often cited as less compatible.

The protesters say they aren't against the ethanol-blending programme, but how it is being implemented. They are demanding suitable fuel for the millions of vehicles that aren't meant to run on E20 petrol.

Poonawalla's protest reflects these complaints. At Jantar Mantar last Sunday, participants argued that the mandatory shift lacked sufficient preparation or consumer choice.

Gadkari and other ministers have maintained that serviced vehicles face no major difficulties and that manufacturers are comfortable with the fuel for compatible models. The debate, however, continues as activists push for open verification of claims in the presence of media and the public. The next round is on the presentation of ethanol victims. But will that happen? That's what Poonawalla and Team Bharat are asking.

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