Question : SUPPLY OF ETHANOL

(a) the status of supply of Ethanol to the Oil Marketing Companies during the current year;

(b) whether some of the State Governments have not been able to supply Ethanol quota to these companies;

(c) if so, whether the Union Government proposes to ensure uninterrupted supply of ethanol to such companies;

(d) if so, the steps being taken in this regard;

(e) whether the Government proposes to do away with year-to-year contract between these companies and Ethanol manufacturers and introduce a long term contract for stability; and

(f) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER of STATE for PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS (SHRI R.P.N. SINGH)

(a) Ethanol suppliers have supplied 30.21 crore litres of Ethanol upto 15.08.2011 to the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), against the contracted quantity of 55.87 crore litres for implementation of Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme in 13 States and 3 UTs, out of the notified 20 States and 4 UTs.

(b) to (d) As per Government of India decision dated 16.08.2010, OMCs are required to purchase Ethanol for the EBP Programme from domestic manufacturers of Ethanol, and the State Governments are not directly responsible for ensuring supply.

However, for smooth implementation of EBP Programme and to bring uniformity in procedure/taxation policy in various States/UTs on the usage of Ethanol, the Government has taken up the matter with State Governments to reduce/rationalise duties, taxes & other impediments in the process of supply.

(e) & (f): No, Sir. Presently, no such proposal is under consideration by the Government.