Gehlot said that another example of the Modi government's lack of foresight and wrong decisions is the decision to mix ethanol in large quantities in petrol, which was taken without proper preparation. The people of the country are having to suffer the consequences of this decision on many fronts.
He said that a large part of sugarcane is being used to make ethanol instead of sugar, which is affecting the availability of sugar in the market. According to Gehlot, sugar prices have increased by Rs 14 to Rs 17 per kg in just 15 days.
He said that this matter is not limited to inflation only. There are also complaints of engine damage and reduced mileage of vehicles due to mixing of ethanol. He said that this is increasing the financial burden on common customers, who have to spend more on fuel and vehicle maintenance. Gehlot said that this is like looting the hard-earned money of the common man.
He alleged that while some industrialists and the government are benefiting from this system, common citizens are having to bear the burden of rising prices. Gehlot also expressed concern over complaints of air and water pollution related to ethanol production. He said that the central government should have done proper planning, assessment and preparation before implementing such a big policy.
Gehlot said that the central government has taken such a decision without making adequate preparations, and now the people of the country are paying the price for it.
He further alleged that the Modi government has lost public trust and is therefore unable to convince citizens about the propriety of its decisions. He demanded a comprehensive review of the ethanol blending policy taking into account its impact on consumers, sugar availability, vehicle owners and the environment.