PANAJI: AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal blamed the Centre’s ethanol-blending policy for the sharp rise in sugar prices, alleging that large-scale diversion of sugarcane towards ethanol production was creating a shortage of sugar.
Addressing a press conference in Goa on Monday, Kejriwal said, “Sugar prices have surged across the country. On July 31, the price of sugar was Rs 45 per kg. Now it has crossed Rs 70 per kg. Within a single month, sugar prices have increased by Rs 25 per kg.”
He claimed that nearly 25 lakh tonnes of sugar-equivalent sugarcane had been diverted for ethanol production, warning that the policy could result in a severe shortage of sugar. “This is a completely wrong policy that should be withdrawn immediately,” Kejriwal said.
He alleged that India, which was earlier a sugar exporter, was now being pushed towards importing sugar. He also claimed that the country had moved from being an exporter of both sugar and maize to becoming an importer, questioning the Centre’s claim that ethanol blending would help save foreign exchange. “Where is the foreign exchange savings they promised?” Kejriwal asked, arguing that money saved on fuel imports would now have to be spent importing sugar and maize.
Kejriwal also referred to Goa’s Sanjivani Sugar Factory, which has remained shut, saying sugarcane shortages were affecting sugar factories across the country. “There are many such factories across the country that are either running below capacity or have shut down completely because they aren't getting sugarcane,” he said.
Turning to the impact of E20 petrol on motorists, Kejriwal announced a WhatsApp number 76698 03441, asking Goans to share their complaints and experiences. “People can send us their complaints and experiences with E20 petrol on our WhatsApp number, 76698 03441. Let us all join hands and demand action from the government,” he said.
Kejriwal claimed that thousands of Goans had already contacted the AAP with complaints including reduced mileage, engine damage, poor pickup and fuel-system problems. The complaints will be taken up at an E20 town hall scheduled for tomorrow at 3 pm in Panaji.
“Only when we all come together and fight will these people be forced to listen,” Kejriwal said, urging Goans to join the town hall and voice their concerns.
