(a) whether the public sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) are reluctant in procuring
bio-diesel;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor;
(c) Whether the Government proposes to directly procure bio-diesel;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the steps taken by the Government for exploring and developing the possibility for use
of bio-diesel in order to save huge expenditure incurred on import of crude oil in the country?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS (SHRI R.P.N. SINGH)
(a) & (b) No Madam. In order to procure bio-diesel for blending with High Speed Diesel up
to 5%, Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have already opened 20 Bio-diesel purchase centres across
the country under the Bio-diesel Purchase Policy.
Further, in terms of National Policy on Bio-fuels, the procurement price of bio-diesel
is periodically being announced by the OMCs.
However, suppliers have not come forward to offer Bio-diesel at these designated
purchase centres at the declared prices. As such, OMCs have not been able to purchase
Bio-diesel till date.
(c) & (d) There is no such proposal under consideration of the Government.
(e) The Government has notified National Policy on Bio-fuels in December, 2009, which
inter-alia covers introduction of bio-fuels including bio-diesel made from Jatropha.