India to use biofuels for transportation

NEW DELHI, March 17 (UPI) -- India has taken steps to use ethanol, biodiesel and hydrogen for transportation, New and Renewable Energy Minister Vilas Muttemwar said.

"The ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has mandated the use of 5 percent ethanol-blended petrol subject to commercial viability in the entire country," he said in a statement. "As a result, release of 5 percent ethanol-blended petrol has commenced at all locations in 19 states."

He said that since Oct. 9, 2007, 5 percent blending of ethanol with petrol is mandatory and 10 percent blending optional. Ten percent blending will be made mandatory from October, he said.

"A broad-based program for research and development, production and utilization of biodiesel is under implementation," he said. "The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has prepared a draft national policy on biofuels."