New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Friday questioned the Central Government’s ethanol-blending policy, demanding greater consumer choice at fuel stations, lower prices for ethanol-blended petrol, and a reduction in petrol prices in line with declining global crude oil prices. He said that the E20 petrol imposed by the Modi government has become a trouble for millions of people. You too can make your video and tag me on social media. I will post your video from my account.
Addressing a press conference after interacting with citizens at a town hall meeting, Kejriwal said people had placed three key demands before the government regarding fuel pricing and the sale of ethanol-blended petrol.
“The first demand is that consumers should have a choice at petrol pumps. Those who want E20 fuel should be able to buy E20, while those who prefer pure petrol should also have the option to purchase pure petrol,” he said.
The second demand, according to Kejriwal, is that E20 fuel should be priced lower than pure petrol, arguing that consumers should not pay a higher price for a blended fuel.
The third demand is for a reduction in petrol prices. Referring to the decline in international crude oil prices, he said the retail price of petrol should be brought down to below ₹84 per litre.
Kejriwal also questioned the rationale behind the government’s ethanol-blending programme, alleging that it has not delivered the benefits being claimed.
“If ethanol is not beneficial from any perspective, why is it being promoted?” he asked.
The AAP leader alleged that ethanol-blended fuel creates difficulties for consumers, claiming that it is more expensive than petrol, provides lower mileage, does not benefit farmers, and does not result in foreign exchange savings.
He further alleged that groundwater in areas surrounding ethanol production plants reportedly becomes polluted, raising environmental concerns over the expansion of ethanol production.
Questioning the Centre’s policy, Kejriwal said the government was promoting ethanol by presenting what he described as misleading figures and was imposing the policy despite public concerns.
“Why is the Central Government pushing ethanol across the country by presenting misleading figures and against the wishes of the people? Why is it forcing it upon citizens?” he asked.
Kejriwal further alleged that, after examining the issue, he believes the policy is being implemented under pressure from the United States, and questioned what he termed the Modi government’s “compulsion or hidden agenda.”
Note: The remarks reflect the views and allegations made by AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal during his press conference. The Central Government has consistently maintained that the ethanol-blending programme is intended to reduce dependence on imported crude oil, lower carbon emissions, support farmers by creating additional demand for agricultural produce, and strengthen India’s energy security.