'Consumers paying more': Congress alleges E20 is benefitting ethanol producers
The Congress party has alleged that the government's E20 ethanol-blended petrol policy is harming consumers by reducing fuel efficiency while primarily benefiting ethanol producers. The government maintains that the policy is essential for reducing crude oil imports and supporting farmers.
Why it matters
This highlights a significant economic and political debate regarding energy policy, consumer costs, and the efficacy of green energy transitions in India.
NEW DELHI: Congress on Wednesday alleged that the Centre's push for E20 petrol has increased fuel costs for consumers while primarily benefiting ethanol producers, claiming that motorists are paying more despite assurances of cheaper fuel.Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that since March 2025, regular fuel stations across the country have been supplying "practically only E20 petrol". ‘Low mileage due to E20, consumer paying moreReferring to earlier statements by Union road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari, he said the government had claimed ethanol blending would bring the price of diesel down to Rs 50 per litre and provide a petrol alternative at Rs 55 per litre, but no such reduction had materialised.He further alleged that consumers are paying more due to the lower mileage of ethanol-blended fuel.“On the contrary, according to an independent analysis, between April 2023 and March 2026, consumers collectively spent an additional approximately ₹88,234 crore to compensate…
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