Oil marketing companies could achieve only 1.37% blending of ethanol with petrol against the target of 5%, the government informed the Lok Sabha on Monday, saying it has taken cognisance of the hurdles in achieving the goals.

Responding to a series of supplementaries on blending of ethanol with petrol and diesel, petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan said so far there has been a lot of talk but little action on renewable fuel. But now, the new government will take steps in the sector as it will also help the farmers.

He said certain issues related to marketing network and the company buying ethanol were behind the failure to meet the target. The government has taken cognisance and would do the needful, he said.

The minister also agreed that ethanol is less fuel efficient as compared to petrol.

In November 2012, the cabinet committee on economic affairs had decided that 5% mandatory ethanol blending with petrol should be implemented across the country and achieved by June 2013.

The minister said state governments have been asked to simplify the procedure and expedite clearances to ease the availability of ethanol for blending.

To a question on plans to ban export of ethanol, he said DG Foreign Trade

has not received proposal from any ministry to ban its export.