I don't know that he's completely wrong. Synthetic ethanol is produced from ethylene, which in turn is produced from ethane, which is either separated from natural gas or is a by-product of petroleum refining. I was under the impression that much of the alcohol intended for use as a solvent (like dentured alcohol found at the hardware store) came from synthetic ethanol.

I have no idea where alochol in its many guises in other countries comes from, though. I suppose much depends on prices for various commodities. Ethylene has other uses, so that has driven up the cost of synthetic ethanol.