NSW announces plan to mandate retailers to sell ethanol-blended petrol

New South Wales (NSW) Premier Nathan Reese revealed plans to introduce legislation that will make it mandatory for all major retailers to provide ethanol-based fuel in the near future. The NSW government’s current ethanol mandate is only applicable to primary wholesalers and sets a minimum state requirement that 2% of the total volume of petrol sold in the state is an ethanol mix. The government is encouraging NSW residents to fill up with E10, a 10% ethanol blend, at the pump. although ordinary petrol is also available. The plan has received criticism from opposition parties who say the government has not put in place adequate mechanisms to implement the plan. Local ethanol makers also complained that they have been unable to boost their supply, as feedstock importers are unable to give them enough grain and sugar-based products to meet demand. (April 16, 2009)