Higher blends possible in the future

“Based on availability, the government may consider the introduction of 10% ethanol blending in petrol in the future,” said Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Murli Deora, speaking at the formal launching of Indias Ethanol Blending Program (EBP). Sales of 5% ethanol-blended petrol were initially launched in the sugar cane-producing state of Uttar Pradesh, in northern India. The program has subsequently been expanded to the states of Maharashtra, Delhi, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Goa and Andhra Pradesh. The petrol-blending program was started in Tamil Nadu in southern India last November but was halted. (May 16, 2007)