Come January 1, 2003 and the programme of five per cent blending of ethanol with petrol will begin in nine states and four Union territories.
However, the programme promoted by the petroleum ministry has met with a hitch since the sugar industry which manufacturers of ethanol will be able to meet the requirement of the oxygenate only in March 2003.
Speaking to Business Standard, S L Jain, director general of the Indian Sugar Manufacturers Association (ISMA) said,
