The steps taken by the Government during the last five years and the current year to promote utilisation of biodiesel inter alia include:
- Vide Gazette notification dated 30.04.2019, the Government has notified “Guidelines for sale of Biodiesel for blending with high speed diesel for transportation purposes-2019.” Subsequently, vide Amendment Order, 2019 the Government has permitted the direct sale of bio-diesel (B-100) for blending with high speed diesel to all consumers, in accordance with the specified blending limits and the standards specified by the Bureau of Indian Standards subject to the fulfillment of these guidelines.
- The Government has amended the National Policy on Biofuels-2018 in June 2022 wherein an indicative target of 5% blending of biodiesel in diesel /direct sale of biodiesel has been proposed by 2030.
- GST rate for biodiesel supplied to the OMCs for blending with diesel has been reduced from 12% to 5 % from October 2021.
- Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) are offering remunerative prices for procurement of biodiesel.
- Celebration of World Biofuel Day on 10th of August every year to promote biofuels.
This information was given by the THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS SHRI RAMESWAR TELI, in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
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RKJ/M