Question : ETHANOL BLENDED PETROL PROGRAMME

(a) the status of Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme;

(b) whether the EBP programme has since been implemented by all the identified States and Union Territories:

(c) if so, the details thereof and the quantum of such petrol and diesel sold so far and the price of such blended fuel;

(d) the current stipulation regarding the quantity of ethanol which can be mixed with petrol and diesel;

(e) whether the Government proposes to enforce 10 percent mandatory ethanol blending in petrol; and

(f) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER of STATE for PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS (SHRI JITIN PRASADA)

(a) Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas launched the 5% Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme subject to commercial viability with effect from 01-11-2006 in the entire country except for North East States, J&K & Island Territories.

The programme was adversely affected due to shortfall in supply of ethanol, and certain state specific issues.

In order to implement the EBP Programme on a sustainable basis, a proposal is under consideration of the Government.

(b): No Madam. The EBP Programme has so far been implemented only in 14 states and 3 UTs out of notified 20 States and 4 UTs due to constraints explained above.

(c): The quantum of petrol sold for the period from Nov 2006 to Feb 2010 has been 1250.36 Crore litres. The selling price of ethanol blended petrol is same as that of Motor Spirit (MS).

(d): The Government has stipulated blending of ethanol with MS to the extent of 5%.

(e) & (f): 10% mandatory blending of ethanol is subject to successful implementation of the 5% EBP Programme and sufficient quantity of ethanol being available to sustain that level of blending.