Chhattisgarh Congress chief accuses Modi government of pursuing ethanol policy without adequate assessment; demands non-ethanol petrol option for consumers
TFP Bureau, Raipur, August 21, 2026: Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee president Deepak Baij on Friday accused the BJP-led Union government of imposing an ethanol-blending policy on consumers without adequately assessing its impact on vehicle performance, fuel prices and the sugar market.
Baij alleged that the government’s decision to promote ethanol blending had added to the burden on consumers, claiming that E-20 petrol was causing vehicle-related problems and reducing mileage. He also linked the diversion of sugarcane towards ethanol production to higher prices of sugar and jaggery.
Baij questions impact of ethanol policy
Baij said ethanol production from sugarcane had been promoted without adequately assessing the country’s overall sugarcane requirements for sugar and jaggery production. According to him, this had affected the availability of sugarcane for conventional uses and contributed to higher sugar prices.
He alleged that the rise in sugar and jaggery prices had also increased the cost of products made from them, including sweets and several food items, thereby adding to household expenses.
Claims E-20 petrol affecting vehicle performance
The Congress leader also criticised the government’s decision to promote petrol containing up to 20 percent ethanol. He alleged that E-20 fuel was causing vehicle breakdowns and adversely affecting mileage.
Baij argued that ethanol-blended petrol should have been introduced after a comprehensive scientific assessment of its costs, benefits and compatibility with vehicles. He alleged that consumers were being forced to bear the consequences of the policy.
Demands choice of non-ethanol petrol
Baij demanded that the government make E-20 petrol optional and ensure that consumers who do not wish to use ethanol-blended fuel have access to non-ethanol petrol.
He said consumers should have the freedom to choose the fuel suitable for their vehicles rather than being limited to E-20 petrol at fuel stations.
Baij alleged that while the government was promoting ethanol blending for economic and policy objectives, ordinary consumers were bearing the additional burden through fuel-related expenses, vehicle maintenance and rising prices of sugar-based products.
He further criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, alleging that policy decisions were being pursued without adequately considering their impact on the common people.
