Now Reading: Opposition targets Centre over E20 fuel policy and sugar prices
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Opposition targets Centre over E20 fuel policy and sugar prices
AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Congress leader Jairam Ramesh have separately attacked the central government over its E20 ethanol-blended petrol policy, linking it to rising food and fuel costs. Kejriwal alleged on X that diverting sugarcane for ethanol production had caused a sugar shortage, forcing India to import sugar using foreign exchange the policy was meant to save. He called the government "run by illiterates."
Times of India reports the petroleum ministry rejected links to mileage issues, saying E20 underwent extensive testing and real-world mileage depends on driving habits. The Hindu reports Jairam Ramesh demanded an immediate policy review and non-ethanol petrol options, claiming 2.5 million tonnes of sugarcane had been diverted. He said sugar prices rose from Rs 48 to Rs 67 a kg and jaggery from Rs 50 to Rs 65 in three months, with rice and maize flour up 16% and 11%.
The government is reportedly considering sugar import limits and tighter stockholding limits ahead of the festival season. No official policy review has been announced.
Indian Opinion Analysis
Times of India leads with Kejriwal's personal attack calling the government 'illiterate,' then balances with the official rebuttal and policy context. The Hindu focuses on Congress's institutional demand for a policy review and food-price data, omitting Kejriwal's rhetoric entirely. Neither source examines whether the government's own data supports or contradicts the ethanol-shortage link. A careful reader should note both parties are in opposition, so both have an incentive to amplify price anxiety. The real test will come if the government releases monthly ethanol-diversion and sugar-stock figures in the coming week.
Coverage: 2 sources, 1 government-critical, 1 sensationalist
Sources (2): timesofindia.indiatimes.com (sensationalist), thehindu.com (government critical)
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above. Methodology and corrections.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
