Nitin Gadkari Highlights Isobutanol’s Potential for Tractor Diesel Engines

18th June 2025: India’s Road Transport and Highways Minister, Nitin Gadkari, is now focusing on cleaner fuels for tractors and construction equipment. He recently called a meeting with industry experts to explore isobutanol as a diesel substitute. Gadkari told Autocar Professional that isobutanol can be mixed with diesel up to 10%. He also said it could completely replace diesel, and companies are testing this possibility.

Isobutanol as a Diesel Alternative Under Testing

Isobutanol is a biofuel made from ethanol using fermentation. Compared to ethanol, it has a higher energy density and is less corrosive. These features make it suitable for mixing with diesel. Gadkari pointed out that isobutanol could fully replace diesel in engines. “We have asked the industry if diesel engines can run on isobutanol,” he said.

Growing Demand for Cleaner Fuels

As the demand for cleaner fuels grows in the off-road sector, manufacturers of construction equipment are trying different fuel options. JCB India has created a machine that runs on hydrogen. SANY India and Schwing Stetter are working on equipment powered by electricity. Meanwhile, big global companies like Germany’s ZF Group are focusing on equipment that can use different types of fuel.

Gadkari states that while electric vehicles are being developed, India must have many fuel options because the country imports a lot of fossil fuels. “Some people are doing it on electricity. The import of fossil fuels into our country is so big that nothing can be done about it. So, we should look for alternatives. And I am sure that all alternatives will be available in the market.” he said.

Rising Diesel Consumption in India

Diesel makes up about 40% of India’s crude oil use. According to the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell, diesel use rose by 2% in 2024–25 and is expected to grow by 3% in 2025–26.

The Road Minister said he had asked his team to continue the talks. He added, “I have already told our secretary about calling for a meeting of construction equipment people.”

India is the third-largest market for construction equipment in the world. Data from the Indian Construction Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (ICEMA) shows that the industry grew by 3% in 2024–25, with total sales reaching 1.40 lakh units. Domestic sales increased by 2.7% to 1.26 lakh units, while exports rose by 10% to 13,230 units.

Alternative Fuels for Agriculture

Gadkari also talked about using isobutanol and ethanol in tractors and harvesters that run on diesel. “Tractors and harvesters also run on diesel. We are trying to bring ethanol and isobutanol into tractor engines,” he said.

He also noted that some individuals and companies are experimenting with alternative fuels, and the government is supporting such efforts. “Some people come after doing some experiments. So we are encouraging them,” he added.

Although electric tractors are being developed globally, they are not yet part of India’s main government subsidy programs like FAME and PM-eDrive. Some Indian startups are working on electric tractors, focusing on farming and waste management.

India’s Biofuel Targets for 2030

India’s biofuel plan includes blending 20% ethanol in petrol and 5% biodiesel by 2030. These steps aim to reduce pollution, lower fossil fuel imports and help farmers earn more.

Gadkari also said that fuel choices depend on each country’s resources and costs. “Availability of raw materials and fuel costs have to be seen from country to country. Now, in some countries, fossil fuel is available at a much cheaper rate. They do not need to think about alternative fuel. But it is a big problem for us,” he said.

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