Delhi, 11 December (H.S.): Ethanol-blended petrol has significantly benefited farmers and helped India save more than ₹1.4 lakh crore in foreign exchange over the past 11 years, the Lok Sabha was informed on Thursday.

Responding during Question Hour, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said there is no adverse impact on cars using ethanol-mixed petrol, adding that extensive testing has confirmed its safety. “Use of E-20 petrol is a healthy trend. It is a green transition, less polluting, and also saves foreign exchange,” he said.

Gadkari noted that farmers have received ₹40,000 crore for supplying raw materials such as sugarcane and maize used in ethanol production.

Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that with the ethanol blending programme, money previously spent on crude oil imports is now being transferred to farmers, who are becoming “Urjadaatas” in addition to being “Annadatas”.

Puri added that from Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2014–15 to ESY 2024–25 (up to July 2025), ethanol blending by public-sector oil marketing companies has saved over ₹1,40,000 crore in foreign exchange.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar