'Yes, Mileage Drops': Nitin Gadkari Acknowledges Ethanol Fuel Trade-Off, Rejects Engine Damage Concerns
Nitin Gadkari said ethanol-blended fuel may reduce vehicle mileage slightly because it contains less energy than petrol.
Vehicles running on ethanol-blended fuel may have a bit lower mileage than those using conventional petrol, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said. He dismissed concerns that ethanol-blended fuel would damage car engines, saying there was no scientific evidence to support such claims.
Mileage takes a little dip
Speaking on the issue, Gadkari said ethanol has less energy than petrol and therefore, there is a natural fall in fuel efficiency. He said that while motorists may see a small drop-off in mileage, that's to be expected and is outweighed by the overall benefits of cleaner, homegrown fuel.
No damage to engine
Responding to concerns raised by some vehicle owners, the minister said ethanol-blended fuel does not damage engines when used in vehicles designed or approved for the prescribed blend levels. He said car manufacturers have modified their engines to operate on ethanol-blended fuels, which are safe for daily use under existing standards.
Why India Is Pushing Ethanol
The government has been aggressively promoting ethanol blending as part of its plan to reduce dependence on imported crude oil, bring down fuel costs over a period of time and cut carbon emissions. Ethanol, which is made from agricultural feedstocks such as sugarcane and maize, also provides an additional source of income for farmers, and contributes to the country’s clean energy goals.
Focus on Energy Security
Gadkari again stressed the need to increase the use of ethanol and other alternative fuels for the sake of India’s energy security and to reduce its import bill. The government’s long-term vision is to promote cleaner transport while creating economic opportunities in the agriculture sector through production of biofuels, he said.
Striking the Right Balance Between Efficiency and Sustainability
Ethanol-blended fuel might cause a slight decline in mileage, but the government says the environmental and economic benefits justify the compromise. As India progresses with higher ethanol blending in petrol, policymakers are looking at compatibility, consumer awareness and seamless transition to cleaner mobility.
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