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Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Saturday rejected claims circulating on social media about ethanol-blended fuel damaging vehicle engines or attracting pests, describing them as "rumours" and urging people to rely on scientific evidence instead of misinformation.

Speaking to reporters in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Puri said the government welcomes constructive criticism of its biofuel policy but cautioned against the spread of unverified claims.

"I welcome criticism. If anyone believes there are shortcomings in our work, we are ready to listen, consider the suggestions and make improvements where required," he said.

Referring to the viral claims, Puri said, "Rumours are being spread that ethanol attracts pests, damages engines or causes fuel pumps to fail. These are baseless claims."

'We Did Not Invent Ethanol Usage'

The minister stressed that ethanol-blended fuel is not a new concept and has been used around the world for decades. He noted that the technology predates the current push for cleaner fuels and cited early automobile pioneer Henry Ford as an example.

"We did not invent ethanol usage. It has been in use for nearly a century. Henry Ford's vehicles ran on biofuels, kerosene and fossil fuels," Puri said.

He also pointed out that India's ethanol blending programme was first conceptualised under the previous Congress-led government. Recalling his tenure as India's Ambassador to Brazil between 2006 and 2008, Puri said an initial target of achieving 5 per cent ethanol blending in 10 states and Union Territories was set, but the programme could only reach 1.4 per cent at the time., ANI news reported

India Rolled Out E20 Petrol Nationwide

The Centre has since significantly expanded the ethanol blending programme as part of its strategy to reduce dependence on crude oil imports, cut carbon emissions and support farmers. The rollout of E20 petrol, which contains 20 per cent ethanol, has been accelerated after compatibility assessments with automobile manufacturers and research institutions.

Puri's remarks come amid a wave of social media posts questioning the impact of E20 fuel on vehicle performance, concerns the government has repeatedly sought to dismiss as unsubstantiated.