Chandigarh: The issue of ethanol-blended E-20 petrol dominated proceedings in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Tuesday during the second day of its Monsoon Session. Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema raised serious concerns regarding the fuel’s alleged shortcomings and its potential long-term impact on motor vehicles across the state. Moving a resolution on the floor of the House, Cheema advocated for alternative fuel choices, demanding that owners of older or non-compatible vehicles be granted access to ethanol-free pure petrol. He also proposed the establishment of a formal compensation mechanism to financially protect citizens whose vehicles experience mechanical damage due to E-20 fuel usage.
During the legislative discussion, Cheema urged the Punjab Assembly to formally forward the resolution to the Central Government for national consideration and policy adjustments. The Finance Minister also took a direct swipe at ethanol manufacturers, remarking that individuals involved in ethanol production were present within the legislative chamber itself. The comment drew a sharp response from Congress MLA and industrialist Rana Gurjit Singh, who defended his commercial ventures by stating that he considers himself a dedicated entrepreneur working for industrial progress.
Defending his business background, Rana Gurjit explained that his industrial footprint had steadily evolved over the years, progressing from textile yarn manufacturing to sugar production and eventually expanding into ethanol refining. He highlighted that ethanol manufacturing has established a vital domestic market for agricultural commodities, enabling local farmers to sell maize at beneficial market rates of approximately 24 rupees per kilogram. He added that if the government decides to phase out or discontinue ethanol production, his business operations would simply adapt and pivot toward another industrial sector.
