The article critiques India's ethanol-blended fuel policy, highlighting how mandating E20 petrol at higher costs during low oil prices unfairly burdens consumers and farmers.

It argues that the policy, intended to compensate sugarcane farmers, fails to address systemic issues like post-harvest losses and limited market access.The piece emphasizes that sugarcane, a water-intensive crop, is not the most efficient feedstock for ethanol production.It suggests exploring alternatives like maize, millets, sweet sorghum, and agricultural residues for second-generation ethanol to reduce food vs.fuel competition and tackle stubble burning.

The author advocates for subsidies, infrastructure support, and policy integration between agriculture and energy sectors to ensure sustainable and equitable outcomes.

The policy's success hinges on balancing economic, environmental, and social factors while avoiding forced consumer subsidies for lower-mileage fuel.