Regulations for blending ethanol with petroleum products finalized: Industry Minister

KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 9: Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Supply, Damodar Bhattarai, has stated that significant progress has been made in the policy for blending ethanol with petroleum products. Speaking as the chief guest at the ‘Extensive Discussion on Ethanol Blending in Petroleum Products’ organized by the Nepal Association of Financial Journalists  (NAFIJ) in the capital on Monday, Minister Bhattarai noted that the government has completed the necessary preparations for ethanol blending.

"The regulations for blending ethanol with petroleum products have been finalized; only the pricing remains to be determined. We will finalize this within a month," Minister Bhattarai said.

He added that ethanol production could reduce daily petroleum consumption by 200,000 kiloliters and that the government has directed the Nepal Oil Corporation to proceed with necessary policy arrangements.

Minister Bhattarai also highlighted that ethanol production would not only decrease petroleum consumption but also contribute to job creation within the country.

Recently, there has been considerable discussion about blending 10% ethanol with petroleum products. Although a policy for ethanol production and use was established back in 2003, it has not yet been implemented. In this context, the Nepal Oil Corporation says that it is ready to implement the same by carrying out necessary preparations.

 

 

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