Union Minister Nitin Gadkari strongly defended India’s push for ethanol-blended fuel during the Bihar Investor Summit 2026, challenging critics and calling out vested interests opposing the green energy initiative. Addressing industry leaders and policymakers, the senior cabinet official challenged skeptics to present even a single vehicle that has suffered engine damage due to the use of fuel mixed with ethanol.

Gadkari pointed out that millions of automobiles across the country have successfully run on ethanol-blended petrol since the policy scaling began in 2022. He maintained that the transition has been remarkably smooth, noting the complete absence of widespread mechanical complaints or maintenance failures from vehicle owners. According to the minister, resistance to the green fuel program stems largely from entrenched commercial lobbies rather than genuine technical concerns.

The government has championed the ethanol blending roadmap as a dual benefit for both the national economy and the agricultural sector. By converting surplus farm produce and agricultural residues into biofuel, India aims to reduce its heavy reliance on expensive crude oil imports while curbing vehicular carbon emissions. Gadkari underscored that this shift creates a valuable economic pipeline directly to the rural farming community, transforming agricultural producers into energy providers.

Shifting focus to regional development, the minister urged investors attending the summit to explore the untapped potential within Bihar. He highlighted the state's strategic advantages in key sectors such as agriculture and tourism, encouraging robust capital inflows to generate local employment. State officials at the event echoed these sentiments, presenting various incentives designed to attract manufacturing and green technology projects to the region.

India has steadily accelerated its ethanol blending targets over recent years, positioning biofuels as a cornerstone of its long-term climate strategy. The central government continues to urge automobile manufacturers to adapt engines for higher ethanol compatibility, a move expected to deepen the integration of agriculture and the automotive industry.

Reporting based on coverage first published by The Times of India. Read the original report at The Times of India.