Now Reading: BJP MP defends ethanol blending, asks where pure petrol will come from
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BJP MP defends ethanol blending, asks where pure petrol will come from
BJP MP Janardan Mishra has defended the government's ethanol blending policy, asking opponents, "Will pure petrol come from your father's house?" Speaking at an event to inaugurate new flights from Rewa to…
The Story in Brief
BJP MP Janardan Mishra has defended the government's ethanol blending policy, asking opponents, "Will pure petrol come from your father's house?" Speaking at an event to inaugurate new flights from Rewa to Bhopal and Kolkata on Sunday, Mishra said India produces only 20 per cent of its crude oil and imports the rest. He cited global shipping routes requiring an extra 18,000 km and pointed to Brazil's use of 100 per cent ethanol in vehicles.
Mishra claimed experts say ethanol does not harm engines and that opposition to the policy is unnecessary. The remark comes days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly advised BJP MPs to avoid making controversial public statements, as per a Times Now report. Congress leaders criticised Mishra, calling his comments arrogant and demanding the government offer a choice of pure petrol until the transition is fully studied.
The Indian Opinion
The MP's blunt question cuts through, but his father's house jibe risks drowning out a real debate. India does import 80 per cent of its crude, making ethanol blending necessary. But opponents have a point: many vehicles are not designed for E20, and the transition needs proper testing and consumer choice. Instead of trading taunts, both sides should focus on how fast the rollout should be. The real test will come when drivers start reporting engine trouble. Will the government then offer a pure petrol option?
Sources (5): timesofindia.indiatimes.com, ndtv.com, rediff.com, ndtvprofit.com, timesnownews.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 5 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 5 sources.
