Archive · 24 Aug 2026
CPI(M) Blames Ethanol Policy for Rising Sugar Prices
Sugar has become more expensive in India.
The CPI(M) says the government caused this by sending sugarcane to make ethanol instead of sugar.
Its leader Jaswinder Singh said nearly 25 lakh tonnes of sugarcane were diverted.
The party says this helped create a shortage and pushed prices higher.
In Bhopal, shopkeepers said sugar rose from Rs 65 to Rs 70 per kilogram in one week.
The government disagrees with the CPI(M)’s explanation.
It says India has enough sugar for people’s needs and blames the industry for increasing prices.
The CPI(M) wants the government to reduce sugar prices immediately.
The party also questioned possible sugar imports and warned that imported sugar could take more than two months to arrive.
The CPI(M) blamed the BJP-led central government for rising sugar prices.
CPI(M) leader Jaswinder Singh alleged that nearly 25 lakh tonnes of sugarcane were diverted to ethanol production.
The party said the diversion contributed to a sugar shortage and increased prices.
Sugar prices in Bhopal reportedly rose to Rs 70 per kg from Rs 65 within a week.
The government rejected the claims, citing sufficient domestic stocks and blaming industry for raising prices.
- Who
- The Communist Party of India (Marxist), represented by Madhya Pradesh secretary Jaswinder Singh, blamed the BJP-led central government; the government rejected the party’s explanation.
- What
- The CPI(M) alleged that sugarcane diversion for ethanol production caused a sugar shortage and higher prices.
- When
- The allegations and counterclaims were reported on Sunday; Bhopal prices were reported to have risen within the preceding week.
- Where
- The issue concerns India, with a reported price increase in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
- Why
- The CPI(M) said ethanol production diverted sugarcane from sugar production, while the government blamed industry price increases despite sufficient stocks.
CPI(M) and Opposition Claim
Government and Industry Response
Cause of rising prices
CPI(M) and Opposition Claim
The CPI(M) said the government’s ethanol policy diverted sugarcane from sugar production, contributing to a shortage and higher prices.
Government and Industry Response
The government rejected that explanation and blamed the industry for increasing prices despite sufficient stocks to meet domestic demand.
Policy priorities
CPI(M) and Opposition Claim
The CPI(M) alleged that the government prioritized corporate houses and ethanol producers over consumers and ignored warnings about sugarcane diversion.
Government and Industry Response
The government’s stated response, as reported, was that domestic supplies were sufficient; the articles do not provide a detailed government defense of the ethanol policy.
Possible solution
CPI(M) and Opposition Claim
The CPI(M) demanded an immediate price rollback and questioned sugar imports without restrictions on diverting sugarcane for ethanol.
Government and Industry Response
The government was reported to be considering sugar imports, while rejecting the CPI(M)’s claims about the cause of the price rise.
- Accusing party
- Communist Party of India (Marxist), or CPI(M)
- Speaker
- Jaswinder Singh, CPI(M) Madhya Pradesh secretary
- Alleged diversion
- Nearly 25 lakh tonnes of sugarcane for ethanol production
- Reported Bhopal price
- Rs 70 per kg, up from Rs 65 per kg a week earlier
- Government position
- The government rejected the CPI(M)’s claims and said domestic stocks were sufficient
- Government’s explanation
- The industry was blamed for raising sugar prices
- CPI(M) demand
- An immediate rollback of sugar prices
- Import concern
- The CPI(M) said imported sugar could take more than two months to reach India
