Ethanol Blending Is Not Merely An Energy Policy; It Is A Transformational Initiative That Benefits Farmers, Consumers, The Environment And The Nation's Economy : Kewal Singh Dhillon

Aug4,2026 | Jagrati Lahar Bureau | Chandigarh

Bharatiya Janata Party Punjab President Kewal Singh Dhillon today strongly condemned the resolution passed in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha urging the Central Government to suspend the implementation of the mandatory E20 ethanol blending programme. He termed the move politically motivated, factually misleading, and against the interests of Punjab's farmers.

Dhillon said that instead of supporting a progressive national policy aimed at strengthening India's energy security and increasing farmers' income, the AAP government has chosen to play politics at the cost of Punjab's agricultural future.

"Ethanol blending is not merely an energy policy; it is a transformational initiative that benefits farmers, consumers, the environment and the nation's economy. The AAP government's attempt to portray it negatively reflects either a lack of understanding or a deliberate effort to mislead the people of Punjab," he said.

Dhillon pointed out that several developed and developing countries have successfully adopted ethanol-blended fuel as part of their long-term energy strategy. Nations such as Brazil and the United States have relied on ethanol blending for decades, while many other countries are steadily increasing ethanol use to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, lower emissions and promote renewable energy.

The BJP Punjab President said the ethanol blending programme creates a stable and additional market for agricultural produce such as maize and sugarcane, providing farmers with new income opportunities beyond traditional procurement systems. As demand for ethanol feedstock grows, farmers benefit from better price realization, crop diversification and reduced dependence on a limited number of crops.

He said, "For Punjab, where crop diversification has become the need of the hour, ethanol is not a threat but a significant opportunity. Instead of opposing this initiative, the state government should encourage farmers to take advantage of emerging market opportunities and promote investment in ethanol production. However, instead of doing so, the AAP government is attempting to mislead farmers by distorting the facts. The reality is that most agricultural machinery, including tractors, harvesters, generators and other farm equipment, runs on diesel, whereas ethanol blending is carried out in petrol. Therefore, this policy has no adverse impact on Punjab's farmers."

He further stated that the ethanol blending programme helps reduce India's dependence on imported crude oil, saving valuable foreign exchange while strengthening the country's energy security. At the same time, higher ethanol blending contributes to lower vehicular emissions, cleaner air and reduced carbon emissions, making it an environmentally responsible policy.

Dhillon accused the AAP government of repeatedly placing politics above Punjab's development.

"Instead of working with the Centre to ensure Punjab's farmers receive maximum benefits from this national programme, the AAP government has chosen confrontation for political headlines. Such resolutions neither strengthen Punjab's economy nor protect farmers' interests," he said.

The BJP leader urged the Punjab Government to withdraw its opposition to ethanol blending and adopt a constructive approach that promotes agricultural diversification, attracts investment, creates rural employment and ensures sustainable growth for the state's farming community.

"The Narendra Modi Government has consistently worked towards empowering farmers, strengthening India's energy independence and promoting environmentally sustainable policies. The Punjab Government should support initiatives that serve the long-term interests of the nation and Punjab's farmers instead of opposing them for political reasons," Dhillon added.

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