Govt seek comments on reframing National Biofuel Policy

The government has sought public comments on proposed changes in the National Policy on Biofuels that seek allowing producers directly sell fuel to consumers especially bulk customers like railways.
"Ministry of New and Renewable Energy invites Feedback/Views/Comments on National Policy on Biofuels in respect of the changed overall outlook of the biofuel programme," a public notice of the ministry said.
According to the notice, the feedback may be sent by September 20 at biofuels.Mnre@gov.In.
The national policy on biofuels stipulates that the responsibility of storage, distribution and marketing of biofuels would rest with oil marketing companies.
Besides, the policy states that the export of biofuels would only be permitted after meeting the domestic requirements.

The Motor spirit and High Speed Diesel Control Order also stipulates that no person other than dealer or the oil company shall engage in the business of selling these products.

Thus, the change in government policy on biofuel is required in the present context to allow manufactures to sell the fuel directly to consumers in a free market economy.
Later last year, Power, Coal, New & Renewable Energy Minister Piyush Goyal had told Lok Sabha in written reply,"a proposal is under consideration to amend the provisions of National Policy on Biofuels and the Motor spirit and High Speed Diesel Control Order to facilitate sale of biodiesel by its manufacturers to the bulk consumers like railways."

He had also said that "a bulk of biodiesel produced in the country is exported".