BJP MP Janardan Mishra defended the Centre’s ethanol-blending policy and taunted its critics over demands for pure petrol. His remarks come amid continued debate over E20 fuel, engine performance and India’s dependence on imported crude.
Janardan Mishra, the BJP MP from Madhya Pradesh’s Rewa, has sparked fresh controversy with a sharp defence of the Centre’s ethanol-blending policy, asking critics of the move whether “pure petrol” would come from their “father’s house”.
Backing the Centre’s push for 20 per cent ethanol blending in petrol, Mishra argued that India remains heavily dependent on imported crude oil.
He said India produces only around 20 per cent of the crude oil it needs, while the remaining 80 per cent is imported.
Referring to the prevailing geopolitical situation and challenges in transporting crude, the BJP leader said oil tankers sometimes have to travel an additional 18,000 km to bring supplies to India.
“In such a situation, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi talks about blending 20 per cent ethanol in petrol, some people start protesting,” Mishra said.
He took aim at those opposing ethanol blending, saying, “A movement is underway claiming that ethanol won’t work, pure petrol will. Will pure petrol come from your father’s house? If there’s no pure petrol in the country, where will it come from?”