KSRTC looks to expand use of biofuels to entire bus fleet

KSRTC, the state-owned bus company in India, has been using biofuel in 1,000 of its bus fleet on a trial basis since 2006. The trial demonstrated increased fuel efficiency and an emissions reduction of 55%. The company would like to extend the use of biofuels to its entire fleet. The biofuel used in the buses is composed of 7.7% ethanol, 91.8% diesel fuel and 0.5% solubilizer. The company can only use fuel that is certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards. KSRTC is in discussions with the Ministry of Petroleum, Indian Oil Corp., and the Automotive Research Association of India to look into extending the use of biofuel for the bus fleet. KSRTC said it expects to see a drop in fuel costs over the long run with the use of biofuel. (March 10. 2011)