Karnataka minister accuses Centre of ignoring ethanol blending concerns

Karnataka's Industries Minister M.B. Patil has levelled fresh criticism at the Centre over its handling of ethanol blending policy, alleging that Union officials are refusing to acknowledge concerns raised about the initiative. Patil claimed the Central government dismisses his representations on the issue, even as industry stakeholders voice reservations about its implementation. The minister suggested that the Centre should directly engage with prominent sugar industry figures to understand the ground-level challenges. Patil cited sugar industry leaders including Murugesh Nirani and Prabhakar Kore as witnesses to the concerns he has been raising. The dispute underscores growing tensions between state and Central authorities over the ethanol blending mandate, which aims to promote renewable fuel adoption but has faced resistance from stakeholders citing economic and technical hurdles. The sugar industry, a key player in Karnataka's economy, has expressed concerns about the policy's viability and market implications.