Tollywood actor and former BJP leader Naresh has sparked a fresh debate over India's ethanol-blended fuel policy, claiming it is causing serious damage to vehicle engines and imposing heavy financial burdens on motorists.
In a strongly worded social media post, Naresh said he is "not anti-national" but questioned the government's rapid implementation of ethanol-blended petrol. He alleged that a friend, a BJP sympathiser who recently bought a Toyota Camry, had to spend around ₹3.5 lakh on engine valve replacement after using ethanol-blended fuel. Naresh further claimed that if a similar issue occurred in his Porsche Panamera, repairs could cost nearly ₹12 lakh, forcing him to switch to 100-octane petrol priced at around ₹165 per litre.
Expressing concern for ordinary commuters, especially bike users, Naresh said premium fuel is beyond the reach of most Indians and warned that rising maintenance costs could become a nightmare for millions of vehicle owners.
Drawing a political comparison, the former BJP leader said Brazil successfully introduced ethanol blending in a phased manner, whereas India's approach appeared "hasty and radical." He also cautioned that with the next general elections about two years away and the BJP currently leading a coalition government, the fuel policy could become a political concern if public dissatisfaction grows.
Naresh's remarks have reignited discussions over the impact of ethanol-blended fuel on vehicle performance, maintenance costs and consumer confidence. However, his claims reflect his personal views and are part of an ongoing public debate. Automotive experts and manufacturers have offered differing assessments on ethanol compatibility depending on vehicle models and engine specifications.
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