Nitin Gadkari defends E20 fuel policy, says there is an attempt to malign him

In an exclusive interview with India Today TV, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari defended the E20 fuel policy and slammed political attacks over it, stating that there is an attempt to malign him politically. Responding to allegations of personal financial gain from the ethanol policy, Gadkari clarified his position, stating, "My stake in ethanol production is 0.7%." He emphasised, "I derive no personal benefit from the implementation of ethanol policy." Gadkari explained that the push for alternative biofuels like ethanol, CNG, and hydrogen aims to reduce India's massive fossil fuel import bill and create employment opportunities for youth and farmers. He dismissed claims that ethanol damages vehicle engines, noting that major automobile manufacturers have not reported any complaints regarding flex-fuel vehicles. Gadkari outlined the rigorous four-year testing process conducted by institutions like the Petroleum Institute and ARAI before any fuel policy is implemented.