Union Minister Hardeep Puri Defends Ethanol-Blended Fuel Amid Criticism
Minister's Defense of Ethanol Fuel
File image of Union Minister Hardeep Puri(Photo: @darsan44562/X)
New Delhi, July 9: Hardeep Singh Puri, the Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, has dismissed the backlash against ethanol-blended fuels, emphasizing that E20 petrol is scientifically validated, vehicle-friendly, and essential for India's energy independence. He accused critics of launching a misinformation campaign following the introduction of E85-compatible vehicles.
In a statement on X, Puri highlighted that India has been utilizing E15 fuel since April 2023, E19 since April 2024, and plans to adopt E20 by April 2025, with no significant issues reported despite its widespread use.
He noted, "Over 20 crore two-wheelers and more than 20 lakh four-wheelers have been operating on E20 fuel for years, yet a sudden wave of opposition against ethanol blending has emerged."
Puri attributed the surge in criticism to the launch of E85 fuel for flex-fuel vehicles on June 5, calling it a pivotal move to lessen the nation's reliance on imported crude oil.
He remarked, "If you examine the timeline, the pattern is hard to overlook," suggesting that the fear surrounding ethanol-blended fuels escalated right after the introduction of E85-compatible vehicles.
The minister pointed out that India imports over 85% of its crude oil and contributes to approximately 30% of the global oil demand increase, making the development of domestic alternative fuels vital for the nation's energy security.
He stated, "Every litre of ethanol mixed with petrol aids in decreasing crude oil imports, bolsters India's energy security, mitigates air pollution, supports local farmers, and conserves precious foreign currency."
Puri characterized E20 as a thoroughly tested, scientifically validated, internationally recognized, and entirely safe fuel. He added that the ethanol blending initiative has transformed farmers from 'Annadatas' (food providers) to 'Urjadatas' (energy providers), generating an additional income stream for them.
Furthermore, he mentioned that the ethanol blending initiative was launched during the previous Congress-led administration, suggesting that the current opposition to its rapid implementation seems politically driven.
According to Puri, this program not only diminishes India's dependence on imported crude oil but also shields the country from geopolitical instabilities and fluctuations in global oil prices.