PIMPRI CHINCHWAD: The central government's policy of blending petrol with ethanol was formulated in 2000. "It was then decided to blend petrol with up to 5% of ethanol, and the target was to be achieved in the next four years. However, at present, only 2.6% of blending is taking place," said former central minister for rural development and bio-fuel committee chairman Annasaheb M K Patil on Monday.

 

To make the process more sustainable and also achieve 10% blending, a target set by the government, a national conference for its promotion has been planned in the city on Friday.

 

It will be held at the Central Institute of Road Transport, Bhosari and will be attended by Union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari, minister for petroleum and natural gas Dharmendra Pradhan, and former agriculture minister Sharad Pawar. Also present will be representatives from Indian sugar mills association, All India distillers association, National federation of cooperative sugar factories, Vasantdada Sugar Institute, Praj Industries and Shree Renuka Sugars.

 

Patil said, "The government wants to explore preparedness of the industry towards ethanol blending, its social, environmental and economic implications. Rules will have to be framed for it,"he said.