Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has said that individuals who do not want to opt for petrol mixed with ethanol can still purchase pure petrol, but then, they will have to pay more for the product. These statements are made against the backdrop of debate regarding the efforts of the government in using E20 petrol.

Commenting on the issue, Gadkari clarified that there is no need to make E10 petrol popular again because the target of mixing 20% ethanol has been met in India and hence, E20 petrol is available at all petrol pumps.

"People who don't want ethanol-blended fuel can go for 100% petrol, but they'll have to pay more," Gadkari said. Responding to a question on bringing back E10 petrol, he added, "How is it possible when we've achieved 20% ethanol blending and E20 fuel is available at every fuel station?"

The composition of E20 fuel is made up of 20% ethanol and 80% fuel. Ethanol is extracted mainly from sugarcane, corn, and other types of agriculture raw materials. The government has pushed for the use of ethanol blending as a way of reducing India’s dependence on crude oil, ensuring energy security, and earning additional revenue streams for the farmers.

India was able to meet its target of 20% ethanol blending well before its 2030 deadline. According to government statistics, the ethanol blending program has been successful in saving millions of dollars in foreign currency as a result of minimizing crude oil imports.

The government has been encouraging car manufacturers to produce cars which can run on E20, and most of the petrol vehicles being introduced recently have been E20 compatible. However, there have been worries from people with old cars about engine compatibility and mileage, leading to increased demand for petrol or low percentage blends of ethanol.

Gadkari’s statement suggests that although pure petrol will be accessible for those people who prefer to use it, it is expected to be priced higher, since ethanol blended petrol costs less and meets the requirements of the government related to energy and environment.

The ethanol blending program is an integral component of India’s clean energy strategy, through which India aims to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, build capacity for producing biofuels domestically, and ultimately reach its objective of achieving net zero emissions by 2070.