&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "'People used to laugh' at the idea: Gadkari approves use of 100% ethanol fuel in India")
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Saturday said he has approved legal recognition for 100 per cent ethanol fuel, a move aimed at reducing India's dependence on imported fossil fuels and promoting cleaner alternatives.
Speaking at a press conference marking 12 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, Gadkari said he had cleared the proposal to formalise the use of 100 per cent ethanol fuel.
"Last night at 8 PM, I signed the file making rules for 100% ethanol and giving it legal process," he said.
Highlighting India's large fuel import bill, the minister said ethanol could emerge as an effective substitute for conventional fuels and help reduce expenditure on imports.
"The country has an import of 22 lakh crores. Now, the resolution we made to reduce this import... gradually gas will also be produced in the country. An alternative to petrol and diesel will also be ready," Gadkari said.
The minister pointed to recent developments in the automobile sector, citing the launch of Maruti Suzuki's WagonR flex fuel model, which can run entirely on ethanol.
Trending Stories
)
The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS
)
CJP's Saurav Das says no one takes Kangana Ranaut seriously; actress calls him 'totally useless and unemployed'
)
'First dumb AI': Meta AI blocks Indian PM Modi's video in his own country, allows abuse ads and deletes livelihoods without explanation
)
India avoids higher US tariff, secures lower 10% rate. Here's how
)
He predicted COVID-19 and 2008 economic crisis, was labeled fearmonger. Now he has another dire warning
)
'He wants me to stay involved': Trump says Netanyahu publicised Iran intel to keep US engaged
)
Flesh Impact: Dakota Johnson transforms as Marilyn Monroe for Maggie Gyllenhaal's short film | See pics
)
Ukraine, Iran signal de-escalation after deadly strike on vessel in Caspian Sea
)
5 Overs, 5 Wickets and ZERO Runs: Justin Greaves bowls world record spell against Pakistan| WATCH
)
See You at Work Tomorrow finale: Seo In Guk-Park Ji Hyun's office romance delivers sweetest farewell
)
NEET Protests riddled with misinformation? Delhi Police blocks 480 Pakistan-based handles spreading 'fake news' since Operation Sindoor
)
You are a 'Naked Official' in China if you hold high posts and have children or spouse abroad. What about India?
)
'Asian Bradman' Zaheer Abbas backs Rohit, Virat for 2027 ODI World Cup
)
Ramayana trailer release time revealed: Namit Malhotra sets specific early morning date after delay
)
Russia-Ukraine War: Putin's big warning amid Ukraine war escalation
)
Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'
)
China deploying advanced fighter jets closer to India's northern frontier
)
Giant iceberg flips violently near Greenland exposing its underside - 'I didn't know they could do that'
)
Iran says it is functioning as a non-NPT state, keeps door open on treaty exit
)
Parliamentary panel summons social media giants after PM Modi video removal row
)
'Worst quality AI in market': Meta AI's moderation fail hits PM Modi and Indian Democracy
)
'Broader struggle for democracy...': Greta Thunberg joins Indian students protest in London - What she said
)
Netanyahu tells Trump Israel may have 'no choice' but to strike Iran again: Report
)
Iran launches first attack on US forces since Trump halted strikes, missiles intercepted
)
PoK violence escalates: 67 dead as India rejects Pakistan's polls as a 'cosmetic exercise' | Gravitas
)
67 dead in Munir's deadly PoK crackdown, India slams 'cosmetic' elections
)
Watch a SpaceX rocket crash into the moon at 8,750 km/hr on THIS day
)
₹16 crore Dehradun bridge approach road collapses just 17 days after inauguration, repaired within 12 hours
'Pickaxe Mountain did not come up': Israel denies nuclear site was discussed in Trump-Netanyahu meeting
)
CJP claims SC's 'uninformed' interim order contradicts government assurances
)
Jennifer Lopez's ex-husband Ojani Noa claims he confronted Sean 'Diddy' Combs over alleged affair
"I am pleased to share that I had the opportunity to launch the Maruti Suzuki WagonR running on 100% ethanol. Among the motorcycles launched, three out of five are from Hero MotoCorp, and two of Hero's motorcycles have already been launched on 100% ethanol," he said.
Gadkari also said more automobile manufacturers are preparing to introduce ethanol-powered vehicles in the coming months.
"In the next two months, companies such as Toyota, Suzuki, and Hyundai will also launch vehicles that run entirely on 100% ethanol," he added.
Recalling the initial response to his push for ethanol-based fuel, Gadkari said the idea was often met with scepticism and misinformation.
"I used to talk about this dream, and people used to laugh. Some friends even used to criticise it. I'll tell you a good story about how efforts are made to defame ethanol," he said.
Also Read: Modi, Trump to meet on sidelines of G7 Summit in France amid attack on Indian seafarers in Hormuz
The minister recounted an incident in which a person blamed ethanol for a vehicle breakdown, despite the vehicle running on diesel.
"One person called me and said his jeep had broken down. When he took it to the mechanic, the mechanic said the car broke down because of putting ethanol in it. I asked him if his car runs on petrol or diesel. He said diesel. I said, 'We don't even put ethanol in diesel, so how did it break down?' So, many attempts were made to spread misinformation," Gadkari said.
The remarks come days after Gadkari and Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri attended the launch of Maruti Suzuki's flex fuel vehicle on June 4.
