On Monday, Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari clarified that he is not against petrol and diesel vehicles, noting that his statements are sometimes misinterpreted. While addressing 64th ACMA Annual Session, he emphasized that India needs to find a cost-effective, pollution-free, and domestically produced alternative to fuel imports. Gadkari questioned why consumers insist solely on petrol and diesel vehicles.
Regarding Bajaj Auto’s CNG motorcycle ‘Freedom,’ Gadkari highlighted that its running cost is ₹1 per kilometer, compared to at least ₹2.5 per kilometer for petrol motorcycles.
Gadkari also stressed the importance of shifting some agricultural output towards the energy sector. He pointed out that while 65-70% of India’s population works in agriculture, their contribution to GDP is only 12%. He said, “So we need to diversify some agriculture (output) towards the energy and power sector, from sugarcane juice to ethanol, molasses to ethanol, corn to ethanol.”
Gadkari said, “Last year, the rate of corn was ₹1,200 per quintal. The commercial price was below the MSP. Today, due to ethanol production from corn, the rate in Bihar and UP is ₹2,800 per quintal. Farmers are now receiving double the price, and at the same time, we are reducing our imports. I am not against anyone, but when the economic viability is there, you are getting a good market, then why you insist for only petrol and diesel, you should have option.”
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