New Delhi. Regarding ethanol-blended petrol, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said that we have to understand that the decision to mix ethanol in petrol was taken with the aim of diversifying agriculture towards energy and power sectors.
He said that our farmers will no longer just be ‘Annadata’ (food producers) but will also become ‘Urjadata’ (energy producers).
Gadkari addressed the inaugural session of ‘Bihar Investor Summit 2026: India’s Emerging Investment Destination’ held in Patna on Thursday. He said that Bihar is changing rapidly.
The state has immense potential in the fields of industry, power and tourism. Describing Bihar as the land of knowledge, he said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, the state will definitely reach new heights. The central government will provide every possible cooperation in the development of Bihar.
On the question regarding ethanol, Gadkari said that from the year 2022, about 4 crore four-wheelers and 20 crore two-wheelers will be running on ethanol-blended petrol.
He said that I challenge anyone to come with any complaint that his car has been damaged due to ethanol-mixed petrol. Of course, those with their own interests may tell a different story.
Gadkari claimed that all major automobile brands have also tried running their vehicles on 100 percent ethanol and no complaints have been received.
The Union Minister said that we are importing conventional fuel worth about Rs 22 lakh crore. Promoting alternative fuels like ethanol will help in making the country self-reliant in the energy sector.
Gadkari said that the central government is working with the future in mind. He said that we have also made aviation fuel from rice straw. The future belongs to innovation, technology and research and a state like Bihar will have to play an important role in this direction.