Government of Maharashtra released the Biodiesel Policy 2021 for its manufacturing, storage, supply and selling in all over the State, recently. As per the policy, the direct sale of biodiesel B for mixing it with diesel in vehicles is banned as it is allowed only after registration of B 100 with the competent authority. The registration will be applicable for two years and its renewal be done 45 days before the expiry. District civil supply officer will be the competent person for the registration for manufacture, storage, supply and sale of biodiesel in the State, except Mumbai and Thane. The registration will be granted after completion of due procedure and payment of Rs 1,000 as registration fee.

 

The government has said, the competent authority has powers to cancel the registration in the wake of violation of norms and procedures. It will be mandatory to display the registration at the sites of manufacturing, storage, supply and sale. Besides, they will have to put up a board on the percentage of biodiesel to be mixed with the high speed diesel.

 

They will also have to put up in writing that the mixing of biodiesel in excess of the stipulated norms may damage the vehicle engine. Further, the auto fuel pumps owned or run by dealers will also have to display in bold norms with regard to mixing of biodiesel in the high speed diesel and adverse impact in the wake of excess mixing. The Controller of Rationing, Director of Civil Supply and the government recognised officers will be delegated with powers to enter into the outlet, inspect, collect samples and seize the outlet in the wake of adulteration or malpractices. Biodiesel is manufactured from imported palm stearin, and small volumes of non-edible oils, UCO and domestically sourced animal fats. The Government of India has committed to reduce Green House Gases (GHG) from 2005 levels by 20 to 25 per cent by 2020 and 33 to 35 per cent by 2030. Moving towards a low-carbon economy, the transport sector is key to achieving GHG reduction goals.

 

“The biodiesel is playing a major role to reduce the GHGs in future. Government must encourage farmers and biofuel producers in the State instead of restricting them to produce with this policy,” said Shirish Phadtare, a biofuel expert and Director of Rudra Plastic to Fuel to The Hitavada. “The sale of biodiesel is very limited in the country. If farmers who are growing oil seeds and sugarcane for the purpose of biodiesel, not get proper encouragement and smooth sale of their product then why they will do such farming?” questioned Phadtare. According to the expert, “Government must encourage farmers and also allow easy sale of their products to increase the production of biodiesel in the State.”