UP Congress chief asks PM to review ethanol policy, sugar imports

Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding a review of the ethanol-blended fuel policy and clarification on the link between rising sugar prices and sugar imports. Rai pointed out that on August 20, the government allowed duty-free import of one million tons of raw sugar for the first time in nearly a decade, raising questions about domestic sugar availability.

Rai argued that if the ethanol policy saves foreign exchange on petroleum imports but sugar imports are needed due to domestic shortages, the net benefit is unclear. He called for the actual accounts of ethanol, sugar production, domestic prices and imports to be made public. Rai also cited Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran's suggestion that E10 fuel could be made available alongside E20 for owners of older vehicles.

Hindustan Times reports that Rai questioned the role of Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari and Hardeep Singh Puri, and reiterated a demand for their removal from the Cabinet. The Hindu adds that Rai criticised Union Food Minister Prahlad Joshi over rising food prices. Rai had previously written to the PM on July 7 seeking an independent review of ethanol fuel policies.