Petrol can be Rs 55, says Gadkari

Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari on Monday said that petrol price can be Rs 55 and diesel Rs 50.

"Chhattisgarh is known for paddy, which is grown all over the state. The hay generated after harvesting can be used to make ethanol.

"Five different research centres have been established in the country. The vehicles would run on ethanol, and then the petro-diesel rates would remain around Rs 55-50 per litre," he said while addressing a public meeting at Charoda.

He said that big ships and cruises on the river Ganga are running on ‘Nathnol', which is made out of coal, cost of which is Rs 22 per kg.

"Chhattisgarh has store of coal and it (Nathnol) can be manufactured in a massive way, through which the LPG gas can also be made," he said.

Giving tips to the Chhattisgarh government and its residents on earning profits, he said jatropha can be used for preparing fuel and he called upon the farmers to grow jatropha. “Bio-diesel can be used for running vehicles but also fly airplanes, the whole process is underway," he said.

At the public meeting, Gadkari along with Chief Minister Raman Singh conducted a ‘bhoomipujan’ of eight construction projects worth Rs 4,251 crore.

The Union minister also announced upgrading five roads and four bypass routes and construction of five new bypass routes worth Rs 2,218 crore.

During the event, Singh gave a list of works to be sanctioned which was instantly approved by Gadkari. “After Shershah Suri, it is Nitin Gadkari who sanctioned the projects right after asking. During our trip by helicopter to the venue, he asked is there any work left, it can be sanctioned,” Singh said.

Replying to this, Gadkari said, “I asked Doctor is anything left. I am a minister who does not have any shortage of money.”