Letters to the Editor dated July 9, 2026 - The HinduBusinessLineSENSEX 76,741.82+ 238.22NIFTY 23,962.80+ 80.75CRUDEOIL 6,909.00 -164.00GOLD 145,026.00+ 1,315.00SILVER 226,373.00+ 2,936.00SENSEX 76,741.82+ 238.22NIFTY 23,962.80+ 80.75NIFTY 23,962.80+ 80.75CRUDEOIL 6,909.00 -164.00CRUDEOIL 6,909.00 -164.00GOLD 145,026.00+ 1,315.00'; } document.getElementById("lgdv").innerHTML = htmlElements; } function numberformat(i) { return Number(parseFloat(i).toFixed(2)).toLocaleString('en', { minimumFractionDigits: 2 }) } async function gatherResponse(response) { const { headers } = response; const contentType = headers.get('content-type') || ''; if (contentType.includes('application/json')) { return await response.json() } return response.text(); } function getWidth() { if (Math.max(document.body.scrollWidth,document.documentElement.scrollWidth,document.body.offsetWidth,document.documentElement.offsetWidth,document.documentElement.clientWidth) > 991) { document.getElementById("mob").style.display = "none"; document.getElementById("lgdv").style.display = "block"; } else { document.getElementById("mob").style.display = "block"; document.getElementById("lgdv").style.display = "none"; } } getWidth();]]>Updated - July 09, 2026 at 09:27 PM.Defending E20 petrolThis refers to the report ‘ISMA defends E20 petrol, says social media claims lack scientific backing’ (July 9). The sugar industry body, which obviously has a conflict of interest in the promotion of ethanol, has come to the government’s rescue for its decision on E20 petrol.It is perplexing why the government maintains that no E20-related engine failure incident has come to its attention when many motorists have shared their experience of fuel pump damage due to the E20 petrol, with video evidence. Why would one object to blended petrol if it actually benefited them? The government should not dismiss consumers’ concerns when a majority of on-road vehicles in the country are from the pre-2023 period.Even before the Supreme Court, the government has recently admitted that “mixing ethanol with petrol is only an experiment, whose results would come by next year.” Many experts even warn that ethanol saves less fossil fuel energy than it directly and indirectly takes to produce.Kamal LaddhaBengaluruTrump’s another shockApropos ‘Sensex tanks over 2% as crude on West Asia war fears’ (July 9). Donald Trump’s remark that the ceasefire with Iran had effectively collapsed has rekindled fears of a wider West Asia conflict.The renewed tensions triggered a sharp fall in Indian equities, with the Sensex plunging over 2 per cent amid rising crude oil prices. These developments threaten global economic and financial stability.The US and Iran must act with restraint and revive diplomatic efforts.PV PrakashMumbaiMonsoon worriesApropos the article ‘Monsoon dependency remains’ (July 9), the writer rightly highlights that Indian agriculture continues to depend heavily on the monsoon despite expanded irrigation facilities.While the article effectively stresses the need for climate-resilient farming and efficient water management, it could also have highlighted successful examples of watershed development and rainwater harvesting that have reduced monsoon dependence in several regions.P MehalingamVirudhunagarPublished on July 9, 2026Sign into Unlock benefits!Access 10 free stories per monthAccess to comment on every storySign up/Manage to our newslettersGet notified by email for early preview to new features, discounts & offers${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }