Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has announced an innovative ethanol-based stove technology that he claims can generate cooking flames at a cost lower than commercial LPG cylinders. Speaking at an event in Nagpur, Gadkari explained that the new technology uses a blend of ethanol and water to generate flames suitable for cooking purposes. The technology is described as indigenous to our country and represents an extension of Gadkari's ethanol vision into the domestic cooking energy space. If successfully scaled and commercialised, the innovation could provide a cheaper, locally developed alternative to conventional cooking gas while further strengthening India's clean-energy ecosystem.
Alongside the stove technology announcement, Gadkari unveiled a ₹40-crore project aimed at nurturing scientific curiosity and innovation among children and young people. As reported by IANS, he stated that "as technology is evolving, we are also working on a project worth ₹40 crore to ignite the love for science in the youth and children". This investment signals an intent to build long-term public and youth engagement around alternative energy innovation and scientific temperament development.
The announcement aligns with Gadkari's long-standing push to reduce India's dependence on fossil fuel imports. According to IANS, India currently meets around 87% of its crude oil requirements through imports, making energy security a key policy priority. Gadkari has championed ethanol blending across sectors, describing it as an import substitute that is cost-effective, pollution-free and home-grown. India's ethanol blending in petrol has surged from just 1.53% in 2014 to 20% in 2025, with the government having set successive targets to push that figure higher. The government has aggressively expanded ethanol blending in petrol, with blending levels rising from 1.53 per cent in 2014 to 20 per cent in 2025, demonstrating the program's success.
The ethanol-water stove technology represents an extension of Gadkari's ethanol vision into the domestic cooking energy space. As reported by IANS, if the technology proves scalable and cost-effective, it could offer a viable and indigenous alternative to commercial cooking gas at the household level. This development targets the millions of Indian households that continue to rely on subsidised LPG cylinders, potentially providing a more affordable and locally produced cooking solution. The innovation extends Gadkari's advocacy for ethanol as a sustainable and cost-effective substitute for fossil fuels, supporting domestic agriculture and clean energy goals while reducing India's dependence on imported crude oil.
The ethanol-based technology extends beyond cooking applications to the automotive sector, with Maruti Suzuki set to launch India's first flex-fuel car on June 5, 2026 on World Environment Day. As reported by multiple sources, this marks a significant milestone as the country advances toward E100 (pure ethanol) capabilities in vehicle engines. The launch represents the beginning of a new chapter in India's biofuel-led mobility, with Maruti Suzuki India Ltd positioning itself as the largest carmaker to enter this segment. The initiative comes after the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways included E100 under automobile testing and certification norms in April, clearing regulatory pathways for pure ethanol-powered vehicles. This development signals India's commitment to reducing crude oil imports and achieving energy self-reliance through domestic fuel production.
