Lack of clarity in ethanol mission

ANY government programme that helps reduce emissions and lowers the fuel import bill is worth implementing with full gusto. What’s critical is gaining consumer confidence and a gradual switchover — focusing on transparency about the mission, and having enough space to cater to concerns. So, when Nitin Gadkari asserts that the criticism against the E20 fuel programme is a “paid politically-motivated social media campaign”, it does not help the cause from the consumer's point of view. According to the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, all sorts of tests have confirmed that there are no issues with the rollout of 20 per cent ethanol-blended (E20) petrol. All recent fears over engine damage and warranty issues, he claims, have been proven false. He may be absolutely right, but then, perhaps not. Doubts still linger. The consumer deserves a more informed engagement.