IndiaThe Congress party criticized the government's implementation of E20 petrol, claiming it has negatively impacted the middle class by increasing fuel costs and reducing vehicle efficiency. They argue that ethanol producers have been the sole beneficiaries of the policy, while consumers face higher expenses due to lower fuel mileage. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh highlighted that the government's Transport Minister, Nitin Gadkari, had promised cost reductions that did not materialize. He cited an independent analysis showing consumers spent nearly ₹88,234 crore extra between April 2023 and March 2026 to compensate for reduced mileage. Ramesh also noted that despite recommendations for fiscal incentives to support consumers, the government instead allocated over ₹4,000 crore in subsidies to ethanol producers. The party called for greater accountability and transparency regarding the E20 rollout, criticizing the lack of concrete data and responses from government officials.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the E20 policy as benefiting special interests (ethanol producers) at the expense of the broader middle class. It emphasizes criticism of the Modi government and highlights perceived failures in economic promises, using language that portrays the government as neglecting consumer-
