Will Pure Petrol Come From Your Father’s House?’: BJP MP Defends Ethanol Blending

New Delhi, August 10, 2026 The debate over ethanol-blended petrol has intensified after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP from Rewa, Janardan Mishra, strongly defended the Centre’s ethanol policy and criticised those demanding only pure petrol. Speaking at an event to inaugurate new flight services connecting Rewa with Bhopal and Kolkata, Mishra linked ethanol blending to India’s dependence on imported oil and the challenges created by the current geopolitical situation. Mishra said India produces around 20 per cent of its oil domestically, while nearly 80 per cent is imported. He pointed to disruptions involving the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow maritime passage between Iran and Oman, and said the ongoing conflict had made oil procurement more difficult. According to him, the disruption has resulted in oil being sourced after an additional journey of around 18,000 kilometres. He also referred to the Houthis while explaining the difficulties surrounding oil supplies. Defending the Centre’s target of blending 20 per cent ethanol with petrol, Mishra said, "And when Prime Minister Modi talks about blending 20 per cent ethanol in petrol, people protest. People are saying that only pure petrol should be used. Will pure petrol come from your father's house? If there's no pure petrol in the country, where will it come from?" He further argued that India has the ability to use ethanol as a fuel and pointed to Brazil, where he claimed vehicles operate on 100 per cent ethanol without facing problems. Mishra also said automobile manufacturers have the required engine technology and do not foresee problems with ethanol-blended fuel. He stated, "Automobile manufacturers say they have the engines and foresee no issues. India possesses the capability to run vehicles on ethanol. Indian vehicles will run and can run on ethanol," he said. He additionally claimed that India is currently the country with the highest employment in the world. Mishra’s remarks have brought the ethanol debate back into focus, particularly around India’s energy security, dependence on imported oil and the government’s push for greater use of ethanol in petrol. His comments also highlight the continuing political and public debate over whether ethanol blending can reduce India’s vulnerability to disruptions in global oil supplies.