Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on 22 August launched a sharp attack on the Narendra Modi government over its large-scale ethanol blending policy, alleging that the decision was implemented without adequate preparation and that ordinary citizens are now bearing the consequences across multiple fronts.

What Gehlot Said

Gehlot argued that diverting sugarcane towards ethanol production has squeezed sugar availability in the market. “In just 15 days, sugar prices have increased by Rs 14 to Rs 17 per kg,” he said, describing the price spike as a direct fallout of poor policy planning. He called it “another example of the Modi government’s shortsightedness and wrong decisions.”

Impact on Vehicle Owners and Consumers

Beyond inflation, Gehlot alleged that high-ethanol fuel blends are generating complaints of vehicle engine damage and reduced mileage, compounding the financial strain on everyday consumers who are already spending more at the pump. “This is nothing short of looting the hard-earned money of the common man,” he said. Critics argue that the rollout lacked the technical groundwork needed to protect older vehicle fleets not designed for high-ethanol blends.

Pollution Concerns and Industrial Beneficiaries

Gehlot also raised environmental red flags, alleging that ethanol production units are generating complaints of air and water pollution in their vicinity. He further alleged that while a handful of industrialists and the government stand to gain from the ethanol programme, the costs are being socialised onto ordinary citizens. The former Chief Minister stopped short of naming specific beneficiaries.

Call for Policy Review

Gehlot called for a comprehensive review of the ethanol blending policy, urging the Centre to weigh its impact on consumers, sugar availability, vehicle owners, and the environment before proceeding further. He alleged that the Modi government has lost public trust and is therefore unable to persuade citizens of the merits of its decisions. “The central government has taken such a decision without making adequate preparations, and the people of the country are now paying the price,” he said.

Background and Context

India has been aggressively scaling up its Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme, with the Centre targeting 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025. The policy is designed to reduce crude oil import dependence and support sugarcane farmers. However, it has periodically drawn criticism when sugar supplies tighten, as diversion of cane juice and B-heavy molasses to distilleries reduces the feedstock available for sugar milling. Gehlot’s remarks come amid a broader Opposition offensive against the government’s energy and food-price management record.