The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued the following statement:
On Ethanol Blending Policy
The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) expresses its serious concern over the wide-ranging impact of the Ethanol Blending Policy.
The recent letter by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) to the Union Petroleum Ministry, flagging concerns over damage caused by ethanol-blended fuel, has exposed the serious risks associated with the policy. The subsequent withdrawal of the letter, obviously under pressure, does not negate the concerns raised therein.
When the Ethanol Blending Policy was rolled out, it was assured that Ethanol or any EBP would be less expensive than pure petrol. But E20 is sold at about the same price as petrol before E20 was introduced, despite it giving less mileage and additional wear and tear.Consumers are left with no choice but to use blended fuel in the absence of any other alternative, even while there are questions over vehicle performance and maintenance.
The policy has seen diversion of food crops for fuel production in a country where hunger and malnutrition continue to plague sections of the populace. To boost ethanol production maize is also being imported. While benefitting corporate houses and large sugar mills the policy leads to a distortion in cropping patterns. Besides, water-intensive cultivation depletes scarce groundwater resources.
The policy exposes the priorities of the Modi government of placing corporate profits above that of its citizens. A policy that hits our food security, harms farmers’ interests, consumer rights and environmental sustainability cannot be allowed to continue. While dependence on fossil fuels needs to be reduced, these cannot be at the cost of food security, environmental concerns and addressing consumers concerns.
The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) demands that the choice of fuel blended or otherwise be left to the consumer with both being made available at all outlets, with Ethanol blends being priced proportionately lower than petrol, compensating for lower mileage and wear and tear. Ethanol blending higher than 20 per cent should be ruled out. The CPI(M) also warns against import of GM corn which the US is trying to push. There is every danger that this corn can be diverted for human consumption as also contaminating our crops.
The CPI(M) hopes that the government would listen to the concerns expressed by various sections of the people and change its policy. Otherwise it would be faced with a rising tide of peoples protest against the policy.