Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Saturday announced that the government has approved the use of 100 per cent ethanol fuel, a move aimed at reducing India’s dependence on imported fossil fuels and accelerating the transition to cleaner alternative energy sources.
Addressing a press conference in Nagpur to mark 12 years of the NDA government, Gadkari said he had signed the necessary file to finalise regulations authorising the use of pure ethanol as a fuel.
“Last night at 8 pm, I signed the file, finalising the regulations to legally authorise the use of 100 per cent ethanol,” the minister said.
Gadkari stated that ethanol has the potential to emerge as a viable alternative to petrol and help reduce India’s large fuel import bill. Recalling the early days of the initiative, he said the idea had initially faced scepticism and criticism.
“I used to talk about this dream, and people used to laugh. Some friends even used to criticise it,” he said.
The minister also announced that several automobile manufacturers are preparing to introduce vehicles capable of running on 100 per cent ethanol fuel.
According to Gadkari, companies including Toyota, Suzuki, MG and Hyundai are expected to launch ethanol-compatible vehicles within the next six weeks.
The development comes amid the government’s broader push to increase the use of biofuels and reduce carbon emissions from the transport sector.
Last week, the government introduced E85 fuel for flex-fuel vehicles designed to operate on a blend containing up to 85 per cent ethanol.