‘Will pure petrol come from your father’s house’: BJP MP defends ethanol blend

BJP MP Janardan Mishra defended the government's policy of blending ethanol with petrol, questioning those who oppose it. He pointed out that India currently produces only 20% of its crude oil needs, while the rest must be imported. Mishra highlighted the global geopolitical turmoil, noting that oil shipments from the Gulf nations have to travel an additional 18,000 km to reach India.

In this context, Mishra asked, "Will pure petrol come from your father's house?" when people protest the introduction of ethanol-blended petrol.

He also stated that while vehicles in India can run on ethanol-blended petrol, some people are misleading the public about its use. Mishra cited Brazil as an example, where vehicles run on 100% ethanol without any issues. Mishra further claimed that experts in India believe ethanol does not harm vehicle engines, and the opposition is unnecessary.

The government is facing criticism for rapidly increasing the ethanol content in petrol from 10% to 20% in just three years. However, the government maintains that no decision has been made to go beyond the current 20% blending level. The ethanol-blending row has sparked concerns over engine damage, decreased mileage, and ignition issues in vehicles not designed for higher ethanol blends.

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari acknowledged that the average mileage can dip marginally with increased ethanol content, but dismissed concerns about vehicular damage as part of a "false narrative."