Sharad Joshi blames Centre for petroleum hike

Kolhapur, July 3 (UNI) Shetkari Sangathana leader Sharad Joshi has held the Centre responsible for the present petroleum products hike saying the rise was a result of the government's indecision on the ethanol-blending issue.

Mr Joshi, while addressing a press conference here today, said the government should grant permission to sugarcane farmers to set up ethanol projects. Besides, it should be left to the farmers to decide on ethanol pricing, he said.

Mr Joshi informed that the Shetkari Sangathana will organise a farmers convention in November at Aurangabad. The sangathana will chalk out its future course of action as regards the ethanol issue during the convention.

In reply to a question, he said that no one has been removed from the Shetkari Sangathana. Some had left the Sangathana for their own political gains, he said.

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