Blending of Ethanol with Petrol
Rajya Sabha
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) had decided on 9.10.2007 to make 5% blending of ethanol with petrol mandatory with immediate effect across the country (except Jammu & Kashmir, North Eastern States and Island territories) and optional blending of 10% ethanol with petrol from October 2007 and thereafter mandatory blending from October, 2008.
Since implementation ethanol supplies have not been adequate to meet the demand of 5% blending. Further, Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) are facing certain constraints with respect to free inter-state movement of ethanol and levy of duties on it by the state governments. Thus, even the 5% EBP Programme has not yet stabilized.
If blending is to be raised to 10% level across the country, it will have to be ensured that sufficient ethanol is available for the 10% EBP Programme in required quantities at all the notified locations. Further, issues relating to compatibility of 10% EBP with auto engine and simplification and uniformity of different procedures adopted by different States/UTs in relation to procurement of ethanol and State duties need to be resolved. For assessing the suitability of present in-use Auto Engines with 10% ethanol blended petrol, pilot projects have been undertaken at two locations at Aonla Depot in U.P. & Desur Depot in Karnataka from 15.12.2008 and 20.12.2008 respectively. The pilot study is likely to be completed by 30.6.2009.
The above information was given by Shri Dinsha Patel, Minister of State for Petroleum & Natural Gas in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
RCJ/ls
(Release ID :47590)