New Delhi: The use of ethanol-blended petrol has helped the country save more than Rs 1.40 lakh crore in foreign exchange while also benefiting farmers, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari informed the Lok Sabha on Thursday.

He said extensive testing has shown no negative impact on vehicles using ethanol-blended fuel, addressing concerns raised by some members.

Gadkari explained that the introduction of E20 petrol is an important step towards a cleaner and greener future. He said ethanol-blended petrol reduces pollution and lowers the country’s dependence on costly fuel imports.

He also said farmers have received around Rs 40,000 crore for supplying raw materials like sugarcane and maize used in ethanol production.

Responding to a question on vehicle compatibility

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