State seeks clearance to use methanol mix

The state of Karnataka has sought clearance from India’s environment ministry for an ethanol diesel mixed fuel to be used in State Road Transport Corp. (KSRTC) buses. Transport Minister R. Ashok said KSRTC was already mixing 7.7% of methanol with diesel fuel in its buses on an experimental basis for fuel efficiency. Last year, 11 lakh liters of methanol was consumed by KSRTC and it plans to use 40 lakh liters this year. (August 18, 2010)