The internet is currently filled with debates about E20 petrol, and many mainstream media channels are actively discussing its impact. Following this, the Union Minister Nitin Gadkari was recently interviewed by ABP Live journalist Megha Prasad to discuss the impacts of E20 fuel. The journalist raised several important questions about mileage drops, engine breakdowns, rising petrol costs, and more. Here’s what the minister respondedAttention Readers! Join us on the WhatsApp Community for daily auto news updates
Nitin Gadkari Answers On E20 Impacts
When asked about the mileage drop, the journalist herself said she is witnessing a drop from 11-12 km/l (earlier) to 7 km/l (current) in the Honda City. The minister responded that the average car owner cannot calculate the mileage on their own. To determine the exact mileage, the car needs to be taken to the dealership, where they have a dedicated machine to calculate it. However, the minister also claimed that ethanol has a lower calorific value than petrol, which creates a difference in mileage.
The journalist also asked what would happen if we checked the mileage figures at the dealerships and they showed a drop – the minister then said that if it happens, you can file an appeal in the consumer court.
Questions were also raised about the hidden ARAI report, which noted reduced mileage and deterioration of fuel system components in older E10-compatible vehicles running on E20 fuel. Denying the claim that the report was hidden, the minister stated that such reports are available across the government departments and can be accessed through the RTI process.
Nitin Gadkari also cited Maruti Suzuki, stating that they haven’t received any complaints about mileage or component wear and tear from the use of ethanol.
Addressing the questions, Gadkari has advised vehicle owners experiencing mileage or performance issues to have their vehicles inspected at authorised service centres. If any fault is attributed to ethanol, the manufacturers are responsible for addressing it under applicable warranty provisions.
Also Read – India’s E20 Fuel Rollout and Rising Petrol Prices
Questions On Fuel Price Hikes
The journalist also asked the minister about rising fuel prices, noting that if ethanol is already available, prices should at least be lowered now. Nitin Gadkari, however, didn’t answer any of these questions, stating that these decisions fall under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and hence are outside the scope of his ministry.
Also Read – Government To Put Hold On Ethanol-Blended Petrol? Here’s The Truth!
Questions On Family Business
There have been several allegations against Nitin Gadkari linking his family business interests to ethanol. The minister rejected the claims, said ethanol accounts for less than 10 per cent of his family’s business turnover, and warned that such allegations could prompt him to file a defamation case.
Also Read – Petrol Pumps Have Started Warning Customers For E20 Fuel
Questions On Road Conditions
Along with the E20 questions, the journalist asked the minister about deteriorating road conditions, especially those under his jurisdiction. In response, Nitin Gadkari acknowledged that potholes had appeared on a section of the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, but they are due to heavy rains.
Also Read – ICICI Lombard Responds To Viral E20 Comment!
Source