BJP MP Janardan Mishra defends ethanol-blended petrol policy

BJP MP Janardan Mishra addressed the ongoing public criticism regarding the government's ethanol-blended petrol policy during an event at the Rewa airport. While inaugurating new flight services to Bhopal and Kolkata, Mishra criticized those protesting against the use of ethanol-blended fuel. He questioned where protesters expected to source pure petrol, given that India relies on imports for 80 percent of its oil requirements.

Mishra justified the policy by highlighting the logistical difficulties caused by international geopolitical instability, which he claimed forces oil tankers to travel an additional 18,000 kilometers. The MP's remarks were made in response to domestic movements opposing the E20 fuel initiative, which involves mixing 20 percent ethanol with petrol. His comments have since circulated on social media, drawing attention to the government's efforts to reduce import dependency through alternative fuel blending.