BJP lawmaker defends ethanol-petrol mix, questions critics at flight launch
Rewa MP Janardan Mishra defended the government's 20% ethanol blending target, arguing that India cannot rely on pure petrol imports.
At an event marking the start of direct flights between Rewa, Bhopal and Kolkata, Janardan Mishra, a BJP MP from Rewa, defended Prime Minister Narendra Modi's goal of blending 20% ethanol into petrol. He highlighted that India produces roughly 20% of the crude oil it consumes, with the rest imported via a route that adds about 18,000 km to shipping distances. Mishra questioned critics by asking whether pure petrol could be sourced domestically, referencing Brazil as a nation where vehicles operate on high-ethanol fuels.
He asserted that Indian specialists consider ethanol safe for engines and labeled the opposition as needless. The MP also claimed that India currently enjoys the lowest inflation and highest employment globally. (PTI inputs)
Why it matters
The remarks reflect ongoing debate over India's fuel policy and its impact on energy security and agriculture.
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