REWA, Madhya Pradesh: BJP MP Janardan Mishra has criticised those opposing ethanol-blended petrol, questioning how India would meet its fuel requirements if it relied only on pure petrol.
Speaking at an event at Rewa Airport, where new flights connecting Rewa with Bhopal and Kolkata were launched, Mishra reportedly said, “There is a protest that ethanol will not work and pure petrol will work. Will pure petrol come from your father’s house?”
Mishra defended the government’s ethanol-blending policy, saying India produces only around 20% of its crude oil requirements and depends heavily on imports. He argued that increasing ethanol blending could help reduce the country’s dependence on imported crude oil.
Referring to Brazil, Mishra said the country has significant experience with ethanol-based fuel and claimed that vehicles there operate on high ethanol blends without major problems.
He also said, according to media reports, that automobile experts and mechanics in India believe ethanol-blended fuel does not necessarily damage vehicle engines when used in vehicles designed or approved for the relevant fuel blend.
Mishra further praised the government’s economic policies and claimed that India has the lowest inflation and highest employment levels in the world. These figures were cited by the MP while highlighting what he described as the government’s development and economic achievements.
The BJP MP also referred to global geopolitical tensions and their potential impact on international oil supplies, arguing that India needs to reduce its dependence on imported energy.
His remarks come amid an ongoing debate over higher ethanol blending in petrol, including discussions around fuel efficiency, vehicle compatibility and the impact of ethanol blends on consumers.
