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Nitin Gadkari amid E20 fuel policy backlash Ethanol can even be made from rotting fruits, vegetables

  • Writer: Ajjay Bhagyakar
    Ajjay Bhagyakar
  • Jul 16
  • 2 min read
Nitin Gadkari amid E20 fuel policy backlash Ethanol can even be made from rotting fruits, vegetables, agricultural waste, and biomass, highlighting India's push towards sustainable fuels and reduced crude oil imports.
Source: Moneycontrol

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has once again strongly defended India's ethanol blending programme, stating that ethanol can be produced not only from sugarcane and food grains but also from rotting fruits, vegetables, agricultural waste, and biomass. His remarks come at a time when the government's E20 fuel policy continues to face criticism over concerns related to mileage and vehicle performance.

What Did Gadkari Say?Nitin Gadkari amid E20 fuel policy backlash Ethanol can even be made from rotting fruits, vegetables

Speaking amid the ongoing debate surrounding ethanol-blended petrol, Gadkari highlighted the wide range of feedstocks that can be used to produce ethanol, including:

  • Rotting fruits and vegetables

  • Agricultural residue

  • Bamboo and biomass

  • Corn and maize

  • Sugarcane by-products

  • Food processing waste

According to Gadkari, converting waste into fuel can simultaneously reduce pollution, increase farmers' income, and lower India's dependence on imported crude oil.

Why Is India Promoting Ethanol?

India's ethanol blending programme aims to:

✅ Reduce crude oil imports

✅ Lower fuel emissions

✅ Support farmers and rural industries

✅ Improve energy security

✅ Promote alternative fuels and green mobility

India achieved its E20 target significantly ahead of schedule, making ethanol one of the country's most important renewable fuel initiatives.

The E20 Fuel Controversy

The rollout of E20 fuel (20% ethanol blended with petrol) has generated significant public debate.

Some motorists have reported:

  • Reduced fuel efficiency

  • Lower mileage

  • Concerns about compatibility with older vehicles

The government and automobile manufacturers, however, maintain that E20 fuel is safe for compatible vehicles and that the long-term environmental and economic benefits outweigh the concerns.


Recent legal and consumer cases have further intensified the debate around ethanol blending and vehicle compatibility, making it one of the most discussed transport policy issues in India this year.

Waste-to-Wealth: The Bigger Vision

Gadkari has consistently advocated a "waste-to-wealth" approach, where agricultural and organic waste materials are converted into valuable resources such as:

  • Biofuels

  • Bio-CNG

  • Green hydrogen

  • Ethanol

  • Sustainable aviation fuel

The approach is designed to create a circular economy while reducing environmental impact and generating additional income streams for farmers and rural communities.

What This Means for India's Energy Future

India remains one of the world's largest importers of crude oil. Expanding ethanol production from non-food sources such as agricultural waste and discarded produce could help diversify fuel sources and improve energy security.


At the same time, consumer confidence in E20 fuel compatibility and performance will remain an important factor in determining the long-term success of the policy, Nitin Gadkari amid E20 fuel policy backlash Ethanol can even be made from rotting fruits, vegetables.

Published By: Griha Realty

Source: Moneycontrol

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