Will 10% ethanol blending in petrol work?

摘要

The government is reported to be toying with the idea of making blending of 10% ethanol in petrol mandatory in most parts of the country.The move,largely aimed at placating the powerful sugar lobby in the country,but given the guise of enhancing energy security of the nation,follows a recommendation to the effect made by a group of ministers led by Mr.Pranab Mukherjee.In September,oil marketing companies were directed by the government to sell petrol blended with 5% ethanol in 20 states and four Union territories.But the program has only just taken off,after having been mired in difficulty emanating from the poor availability of alcohol and its price.While most states have now initiated the program to various extents,West Bengal and Orissa are yet to do so and Madhya Pradesh has just begun negotiations with oil marketing companies.The biggest procrastinator,however,has been Tamil Nadu,a major sugar-cane producing state.