New Delhi: The CPI(M) on Friday expressed “serious concern” over the Centre’s ethanol blending policy, alleging that it adversely affects consumers, food security, farmers’ interests and environmental sustainability.
In a statement, the party’s Politburo demanded that motorists be given a choice between blended and unblended petrol.
Referring to a recent letter from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers to the Union Petroleum Ministry raising concerns about damage caused by ethanol-blended fuel (E20), the Politburo claimed that although the letter was later withdrawn “obviously under pressure”, the issues flagged in it remained valid.
“The subsequent withdrawal of the letter, obviously under pressure, does not negate the concerns raised therein,” the CPI(M) said.
The Left party pointed out that when the Ethanol Blending Policy was introduced, consumers were assured that ethanol-blended petrol would be cheaper than conventional petrol. However, the E20 fuel is being sold at nearly the same price as conventional petrol despite offering lower mileage and causing additional wear and tear, it claimed.
“Consumers are left with no choice but to use blended fuel in the absence of any other alternative, even when there are questions over vehicle performance and maintenance,” it said.
The CPI(M) further alleged that the policy has resulted in diversion of food crops for fuel production in a country where hunger and malnutrition continue to affect sections of the population.
“To boost ethanol production, maize is being imported. While benefiting corporate houses and large sugar mills, the policy leads to distortion in cropping patterns. Besides, water-intensive cultivation depletes scarce groundwater resources,” it said.
Alleging that the policy reflected the Modi government’s priorities of “placing corporate profits above that of its citizens”, the party said efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels should not come at the cost of food security, environmental sustainability or consumer interests.
The CPI(M) demanded that consumers be allowed to choose between ethanol-blended and unblended fuel, with both being made available at all fuel outlets. It also sought proportionately lower pricing of ethanol blends to compensate for lower mileage and increased wear and tear.
The party further said ethanol blending beyond 20 per cent should not be permitted.
It also cautioned against the import of genetically modified corn, alleging that such imports could eventually enter the human food chain and contaminate domestic crops.
