The Federation of State Farmers’ Organizations has urged Union Food and Public Distribution Minister Pralhad Joshi to encourage the production and sale of domestic ethanol to farmers.
Referring to the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) availability crisis that arose as a result of the US-Israel war against Iran, federation president Kurubur Shanthakumar, who is also the president of the State Sugarcane Growers Association, said gas cylinders and stoves were distributed to households under the Ujwala program with the promise of regular LPG supply.
However, due to the disruption of LPG supplies to overseas due to war fears, its availability has reduced, creating anxiety among people.
In such a situation, farmers should be encouraged and given permission to produce and sell domestic ethanol, he said in a letter to Mr. Joshi, pointing out that such a move would also save valuable foreign exchange.
He argued that the risk of explosion and related accidents associated with LPG cylinders will also be reduced because ethanol is a liquid and does not pose the same level of explosion risk.
In the past, Mr. Shanthakumar said kerosene was distributed through fair price shops along with rationed stocks. The government should allow sale of ethanol to consumers through fair price shops and cooperative societies, he said in the letter, which was also sent to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Published – 22 March 2026 19:58 IST
