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Kamal Haasan vs Nitin Gadkari: The Surprising Truth About India's Ethanol Fuel Shift

Actor-politician Kamal Haasan used his first question in the Rajya Sabha to seek clarity on India's ethanol fuel policy. He specifically asked about the impact of E20 fuel on vehicles and the withdrawal of the more widely compatible E10 petrol. In response, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari assured that extensive field trials showed no compatibility issues with E20, even for older vehicles. Gadkari emphasized that the government's assessment was backed by research from major automotive bodies.

Key Points: Kamal Haasan Questions Ethanol Fuel Impact, Gadkari Assures Compatibility

  • Kamal Haasan's first Rajya Sabha question focused on ethanol fuel's vehicle impact and consumer safeguards
  • Gadkari cited studies by IOCL, ARAI, and SIAM confirming E20 fuel compatibility
  • The minister stated mileage depends on driving habits and maintenance, not just fuel type
  • Gadkari previously called social media criticism of ethanol blending a "paid campaign"
3 min read

Kamal Haasan raises concern on ethanol-blended fuels withdrawal of E10 petrol, Nitin Gadkari responds

Kamal Haasan raises concerns in Rajya Sabha over E20 fuel and E10 petrol withdrawal. Nitin Gadkari cites studies showing no vehicle compatibility issues.

"Extensive field trials on vehicles with E20 fuel did not indicate any compatibility issues or any negative effects of E20. – Nitin Gadkari"

New Delhi, December 19

Rajya Sabha MP and actor-politician Kamal Haasan on Friday raised concern on ethanol-blended fuels, its impact on vehicles, the withdrawal of E10 petrol, and consumer safeguards.

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari clarified that extensive field trials on vehicles with E20 fuel did not indicate any compatibility issue.

In a post on X, he shared, "For many Indians, personal transport reflects aspiration and everyday progress. In my first Unstarred Question in the Rajya Sabha, I sought clarity on ethanol-blended fuels, its impact on vehicles, the withdrawal of E10 petrol, and consumer safeguards. These issues were addressed by the Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari. The transition must remain informed, fair, and consumer-conscious."

In his first unstarred question in the Rajya Sabha, he raised three questions to the Minister for Road Transport and Highways.

The questions included, "Whether comprehensive studies have been conducted on the impact of E20 fuel on vehicle mileage, engine components and fleet compatibility and if not, the reasons therefor; reasons for discontinuing nationwide availability of E10 petrol despite its wider compatibility with older vehicles and whether Government proposes to restore E10 as an option; and whether guidelines exist on warranty, insurance or consumer protection relating to vehicle damage or higher operating costs from E20 use and whether Government has assessed ethanol price volatility and its impact on fuel affordability?"

In his answer, the Minister for Road Transport and Highways stated the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) constituted on December 26, 2020, under NITI Aayog had inter alia, examined various aspects of vehicle compatibility and mileage.

"This assessment was also supported by research studies conducted by Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), and the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). Extensive field trials on vehicles with E20 fuel did not indicate any compatibility issues or any negative effects of E20. These studies have confirmed that even legacy vehicles do not exhibit any significant variations in performance, nor do they show abnormal wear-and-tear when operated with E20 fuel. No issues were reported in parameters such as drivability, startability, metal compatibility and plastic compatibility," he said.

He said that vehicle mileage is influenced by a variety of factors beyond just fuel type. These include driving habits, maintenance practices such as oil changes and air filter cleanliness, tyre pressure and alignment, and even air conditioning load.

Earlier, in September, Nitin Gadkari said that the recent criticism on social media over the government's ethanol blending programme was a "paid campaign" against him and not based on facts, adding that the Supreme Court had already dismissed petitions challenging the move.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Kamal Haasan ji asking the right questions! Why remove E10 option completely? Not everyone can afford a new car every 5 years. For middle-class families, older vehicles are a big investment. Government should keep both fuels available and let people choose.
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Rohit P
Ethanol blending is a great step for energy security and helping our farmers. We need to support indigenous solutions. Gadkari sir is right, we must trust our research institutions. Some initial hiccups are expected in any major transition.
S
Sarah B
Interesting debate. The minister says mileage depends on driving habits etc., which is true. But if the fuel itself is less energy-dense, the car *has* to work harder. They should mandate clear labeling at pumps about potential mileage impact. Informed choice is key.
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Nikhil C
The "paid campaign" comment is unnecessary. People are sharing genuine concerns based on their pocket pinch. Fuel costs are a major monthly expense. Instead of dismissing criticism, the government should proactively address warranty and insurance questions raised by Kamal Haasan.
K
Kavya N
As someone from a sugarcane-growing family in UP, I support ethanol blending. It provides a stable income for farmers. The environmental benefit is a bonus. We should look at the bigger picture for the nation's economy and reduce oil imports. 👏

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