1 week ago
Congress Demands Review of Modi Government’s E20 Fuel Policy
E20 petrol contains up to 20 percent ethanol blended with regular petrol.
Congress says this policy is making life more expensive for people.
It argues that using sugarcane, rice and maize to make fuel can reduce supplies for food and animal feed.
Jairam Ramesh said sugar, jaggery, rice flour and maize flour prices have increased.
Congress also says some vehicles may travel fewer kilometres or suffer damage when using E20 fuel.
The party questioned why petrol prices have not fallen even though crude oil prices and fuel costs have decreased.
It also raised concerns about pollution and the environmental effects of producing ethanol.
Congress wants the government to review the policy.
It is also asking for petrol without ethanol to remain available.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh called the E20 policy “anti-people” and demanded its immediate review.
The party alleged that diverting sugarcane and grains to ethanol production increased food prices.
Ramesh cited claims that sugar prices rose from Rs 48 to Rs 67 per kg in three months.
Congress said E20 fuel may reduce vehicle mileage, damage incompatible vehicles and limit consumer choice.
The party demanded that non-ethanol petrol options be made available to consumers.
- Who
- The Indian National Congress, represented by general secretary Jairam Ramesh, criticized the Modi government’s E20 policy and cited concerns previously raised by Rahul Gandhi and the Congress Working Committee.
- What
- Congress demanded an immediate review of the E20 ethanol-blending policy and asked for non-ethanol fuel options.
- Where
- The policy debate concerns petrol and food prices in India.
- When
- The demand was made on Friday; the article also refers to a Congress Working Committee resolution adopted on August 19.
- Why
- Congress alleged that ethanol production is diverting sugarcane and grains from food and animal feed, raising prices, while also reducing vehicle mileage, damaging some vehicles and limiting consumer choice.
Key facts
- Policy
- E20 petrol blends 20 percent ethanol with petrol.
- Sugarcane diversion
- Ramesh said 25 lakh tonnes of sugar-grade sugarcane were diverted to ethanol production.
- Sugar price claim
- The cited price increased from Rs 48 to Rs 67 per kg in three months.
- Jaggery price claim
- The cited price increased from Rs 50 to Rs 65 per kg.
- Other price increases
- Congress cited increases of 16 percent for rice, 11 percent for maize flour and 10.34 percent for animal feed.
- Congress demand
- The party called for an immediate policy review and continued access to non-ethanol petrol.
- Additional concerns
- Congress cited vehicle compatibility, reduced mileage, fuel contamination and environmental costs.
Quotes
Jairam Ramesh
Congress general secretary in-charge communications
“We demand an immediate review of the E20 policy and insist that the public be provided with non-ethanol fuel options. An anti-people fuel policy that makes both vehicle operation and kitchen expenses costly is unacceptable to the country.”
telegraphindia.com
“Due to the Modi government's shortsighted and anti-people E20 policy, inflation is rising on one hand, while vehicle owners are forced to bear the brunt of reduced mileage and vehicle damage on the other.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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