New Delhi – The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas issued a statement on Monday rejecting a claim published by a Bhutanese news outlet that the kingdom had turned down an Indian proposal to import E20 gasoline, a blend containing up to 20% ethanol.
In a “Fact Check” post shared on its official social‑media channels, the ministry said, “Claims that Bhutan declined an offer to import E20 petrol from India are incorrect.” The ministry did not provide details of any formal offer or correspondence but emphasized that no such rejection had been communicated by Bhutanese authorities.
The Bhutanese report, which appeared in local media earlier this week, asserted that the Himalayan nation had rejected the proposal, citing unnamed officials. No response from Bhutan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs or other government bodies was available at the time of writing.
The Indian ministry’s clarification comes as both countries discuss broader energy collaboration, including the potential use of ethanol‑blended fuels to reduce carbon emissions. India has been promoting E20 as part of its strategy to cut oil imports and cut greenhouse‑gas emissions, while Bhutan, a net exporter of hydroelectric power, has expressed interest in diversifying its energy mix.
Analysis: The ministry’s swift denial suggests a concern over misinformation that could affect bilateral energy talks. By labeling the claim “incorrect,” the ministry aims to prevent any diplomatic friction that might arise from a perceived rebuff. The lack of a direct comment from Bhutanese officials leaves the status of any formal proposal unclear, highlighting a broader challenge in cross‑border communication where media reports can outpace official statements. Observers note that accurate reporting on such proposals is crucial, given the strategic importance both nations place on renewable‑energy cooperation and regional energy security.
Sources
– Hindustan Times, “India’s oil ministry vs Bhutanese news outlet over ‘rejection’ of E20 petrol,” https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indias-oil-ministry-vs-bhutanese-news-outlet-over-rejection-of-e20-101783251274272.html.
Story synopsis gathered from: Hindustan Times – India News — source
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