"Sugar prices have gone up, people are troubled due to spurious fuel": Arvind Kejriwal slams Centre's E20 policy

Panaji (Goa) [India], August 25 (ANI): Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Monday launched a scathing attack on the Union government over its E20 fuel policy, alleging that the diversion of sugarcane for ethanol production has led to a spike in sugar prices and caused distress to vehicle owners.
Announcing a public outreach initiative, the former Delhi Chief Minister said the party would hold a 'Town hall' to discuss the technical and economic impacts of ethanol-blended fuel.
"25 lakh tonnes of sugarcane have been diverted towards Ethanol production. The price of Sugar has gone up in the country. Today, Sugar prices have gone up, people are troubled due to spurious fuel, and there is no saving of foreign exchange. We will hold a Town hall event on these issues at 3 pm tomorrow. We are releasing a WhatsApp number today so that people can reach us on the E20 fuel issue," Kejriwal said while addressing a press conference.
Questioning the government's insistence on the transition despite alleged industry concerns, Kejriwal asked, "When India says no, but PM Modi is still forcing E20? SIAM (Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers) raised concerns about E20's impact on vehicles and submitted a report seeking alternatives for consumers at petrol pumps. Within a week, SIAM was forced to withdraw the report, raising serious questions about pressure on industry stakeholders."
He further claimed that several automobile manufacturers are hesitant about the new fuel standards.
"Three automobile companies reportedly refused to endorse E20, citing concerns over vehicle compliance. Brazil took decades to transition to E20. India has been pushed towards it within just three years, despite unresolved technical and consumer concerns. If E20 is backed by science and evidence, why silence those raising legitimate questions?" he added.
Kejriwal also expressed concern over the lack of a long-term roadmap for ethanol blending, suggesting that the government intends to increase blending percentages without adequate public consultation.
"E25, E30, E40, E85--this government will keep increasing ethanol blending without telling people where it is headed. They don't need more testing. They need to listen to science, experts, and the people," the AAP Convenor said. (ANI)