Ashok Gehlot Blames Ethanol Blending For Rising Sugar Prices, Says Consumers Face Burden

Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Saturday criticised the Centre's ethanol blending policy, alleging that the increased diversion of sugarcane towards ethanol production was contributing to higher sugar prices and placing an additional financial burden on consumers. The Congress leader said the policy needed to be examined from the perspective of its impact on ordinary people, particularly amid rising household expenses. Gehlot claimed that a significant portion of sugarcane was being diverted from conventional sugar production to ethanol, reducing the quantity of sugar available in the market.

According to him, this reduction in supply had contributed to a sharp increase in sugar prices. “In just 15 days, sugar prices have surged by Rs 14-17 per kg,” Gehlot said in a statement, while criticising the Centre over its approach to ethanol blending. The former chief minister also raised concerns about the impact of ethanol-blended petrol on vehicle owners. He alleged that increased ethanol blending was affecting vehicle engines and reducing fuel mileage, which, in turn, could increase running and maintenance expenses for consumers.

Gehlot argued that any additional costs resulting from the policy ultimately put greater pressure on household budgets. Gehlot further alleged that the benefits of the ethanol policy were being concentrated among a limited number of industrialists and the government, while ordinary consumers were bearing its consequences. He described the situation as a financial burden on the public and said the policy should not be pursued without considering its wider economic impact.

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The Congress leader also expressed concerns about the environmental consequences associated with ethanol production. He alleged that increased ethanol production could contribute to air and water pollution and claimed that the Centre had moved towards higher blending without making adequate preparations. His remarks come amid continued debate over India's ethanol blending programme, which seeks to increase the use of ethanol in petrol as part of the country's broader fuel and energy policy.

Gehlot also attacked the Narendra Modi-led government politically, alleging that it had lost public trust and was therefore unable to convince people about the benefits of its policies. His comments add to the opposition's criticism of the Centre's ethanol blending programme, with Gehlot focusing on its alleged impact on sugar prices, vehicle expenses and the environment. The allegations were made by Gehlot in his statement, while no response from the Centre to his specific claims was included in the information available.

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