Gadkari Busts Viral Myths About E20 Petrol

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has directly addressed a wave of viral claims about India's E20 petrol. Social media posts recently linked the fuel to insect problems, sugarcane residue, and vehicle damage.

What the Viral Claims Said

Videos circulating online showed ants gathering near vehicle fuel caps. Many posts claimed the insects were drawn to leftover sugar in E20 petrol. Other posts suggested the ethanol blend could void vehicle insurance or damage engines over time.

What Gadkari Said

Gadkari dismissed the claims as baseless and unsupported by evidence. He said ethanol undergoes fermentation and processing that removes any leftover sugar content. The final fuel-grade ethanol shares little resemblance to raw sugarcane juice, he explained.

He also challenged critics to provide proof linking E20 fuel to engine damage. Gadkari said major automakers, including Maruti Suzuki, Toyota, Tata, and Mahindra, had not received complaints tied to ethanol blending.

Why Ants Were Never the Real Explanation

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited backed up the government's position on the ant claims. The company said fuel-grade ethanol contains denaturants that actually repel insects rather than attract them. It stated there is no scientific basis connecting E20 fuel to ant activity near vehicles.

The Bigger Picture Behind the Program

India's ethanol blending program mixes 20 percent ethanol with petrol nationwide. The government says the initiative cuts fuel imports and supports farmer incomes. Officials point to similar ethanol programs already running successfully in the United States, Brazil, and Japan.

Gadkari has pushed the ethanol program since 2004, well before the current controversy began. He said the goal is reducing India's heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels. The country currently imports close to 87 percent of its total energy needs.

What Happens Next

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has urged the public to disregard unverified social media claims. It confirmed the ethanol program remains scientifically validated and closely monitored nationwide. Anyone who believes their vehicle suffered damage from E20 fuel has been encouraged to file a formal complaint with their dealer and the ministry.