Punjab, Haryana asked to reconsider ethanol fees

THE Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has instructed the governments of Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh to reconsider the fees levied on ethanol production in their excise policies, as it contributes to the increased cost of ethanol-blended petrol.

- HARPREET BAJWA @Chandigarh

Interestingly, while Opposition parties are ruling Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, Haryana has a BJP government.

In letters to these state governments on different occasions, the ministry has said that provisions to levy Regulatory Fees in excise policies may restrict the free movement of ethanol within and outside the states, which will further increase the cost of ethanol-blended petrol.