Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday robustly defended the government’s E20 petrol rollout programme, dismissing claims of a paid campaign against him and urging policymakers to extend GST relief to consumers scrapping old vehicles. Speaking at the 65th Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) Annual Convention, Gadkari reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting cleaner fuels and supporting the auto industry.
Addressing concerns surrounding the E20 fuel initiative, Gadkari said, “All testing agencies have confirmed there is no problem with implementation,” and asserted that allegations made against the rollout were unfounded. His remarks followed the Supreme Court’s recent dismissal of petitions challenging the Ethanol Blending Programme, which mandates the sale of petrol blended with 20% ethanol.
Gadkari emphasised that the programme aligns with broader national interests by supporting sugarcane farmers, reducing dependence on crude oil imports, and strengthening energy security. He expressed frustration at external interference, questioning whether “someone from outside the country” should dictate India’s fuel policy.
In his address, the minister urged the automobile industry to accelerate the adoption of biofuel-powered vehicles as a step toward combating pollution. He also proposed that the Finance Minister consider providing GST incentives for customers who scrap old vehicles and purchase new ones, arguing that such a measure would benefit both consumers and manufacturers.
Expressing gratitude to automakers for their role in implementing stricter emission norms, Gadkari thanked them for transitioning from BSIV to BSVI standards and pledged that India would continue aligning with global benchmarks such as the BSVI rollout and Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) standards.
Looking ahead, Gadkari projected a decline in logistics costs, estimating that they would fall to 9% of India’s GDP by the end of 2025. He called for industry collaboration to drive innovation and infrastructure improvements that would enhance efficiency across supply chains.
Gadkari’s remarks underscore the government’s strategic push for cleaner energy solutions while reinforcing its support for the auto sector amid global environmental concerns and evolving fuel technologies. With the Supreme Court’s endorsement and growing policy support, the E20 programme is poised to remain a cornerstone of India’s sustainable energy and transportation agenda.
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