.

Facts

  • Ethanol blending was a reply to oil shock of 1970s.
  • Transparency should support policy moves.
  • Ethanol has an efficiency penalty — it can affect and corrode fuel handling systems.

The ethanol blending initiative, "designed" by NG, alleged to promote energy self-reliance and support farmers, is embroiled in controversy over nepotism allegations. His sons' companies, CIAN Agro and Manas Agro, reported staggering revenue surges—up to 2900%—following the E20 policy rollout in 2025, sparking accusations of policy-driven profiteering. Social media users and opposition parties demand his resignation, highlighting potential conflicts of interest that threaten India's green fuel goals and public trust in reforms.

In an interview few years ago, the only word this sitting MP kept repeating was "bagasse" (the dry pulpy residue left after the extraction of juice from sugar cane). Gadkari's another son Sarang Gadkari is Whole-Time Director of Manas Agro. This company is also involved in ethanol production. And, Gadkari himself also owns many sugar mills.

Questions

  • Owns sugar factories and is a sitting MP, how?
  • Why is NG not resigning over this conflict-of-interest?
  • Why is a person who is Transport & Highway Minister so excited about ethanol?
  • What's Hardeep Puri, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas's commission?

Nikhil Gadkari son of NG. His ethanol producing firm went from ₹17 Crore in Revenue to ₹510 crore revenue in less than a year, around the same time when Gadkari pushed E20 down the throats of Indians. Of course it is a coincidence, Yes?

The policy is being used as a blunt instrument whose main supposed benefits are questionable.

The Week that wasn't

In other news, Apple is opening its new shop in Banglore renting a prime real-estate for 10 years. Some call it "power move", but forgot a more important news. OpenAI is setting up their shop in New Delhi very near to the parliament. OpenAI lobbyists have been moving up and down the parliament for eGov projects, and there's a likely nod from the politicians. SHAME on the Indian politicians to sell our data to American corporates.

Thanks for reading!

Need help with Digital Marketing? Try KEYSOME