New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal has questioned the Centre’s clarification on ethanol imports from the United States, alleging that the government’s explanation does not address concerns over whether imported ethanol could eventually be used directly for blending with petrol in India.
Responding to the statement issued by the Centre, Kejriwal said the government should clarify whether US-origin ethanol is already being imported for purposes other than blending, allowing domestically produced ethanol to be diverted towards the country’s fuel-blending programme.
“Don’t distort facts. Isn’t it true that you are using whole of US imports for non-blending purposes so that you can divert local production for blending purposes?” Kejriwal said.
He further questioned whether such an arrangement would effectively amount to the same thing as directly using imported ethanol for blending.
“Isn’t it the same thing?” he asked.
The former Delhi Chief Minister also linked the issue to India’s growing imports from the US, questioning whether an increase in American supplies could create pressure on New Delhi to modify its ethanol-blending policy.
“Now since US imports are going to substantially increase this year, isn’t it true that Trump is pressuring Modiji to start directly using imports for blending,” Kejriwal said.
He also sought clarification on whether the government was considering such a policy change, asking, “Isn’t it true that Modi govt is planning to do that?”
Kejriwal’s remarks come against the backdrop of a wider debate over India’s ethanol-blending programme and the country’s trade relationship with the United States. The Centre’s statement had sought to clarify the position regarding imports and the use of ethanol, while the AAP leader has challenged the government’s explanation and raised questions about the possible implications of increased US imports.
The controversy centres on whether imported ethanol could have a direct or indirect role in meeting India’s petrol-blending requirements and whether any policy change is being considered by the government. The Centre has yet to respond specifically to the questions raised by Kejriwal.
