Pune: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has always been at forefront to advocate ethanol production boost. He said that I will ask auto makers Bajaj TVS and Hero to start scooter-auto in Pune that runs completely on Ethanol.
Gadkari was speaking at a state-level sugarcane conference organized at Vasantdada Sugar Institute (VSI) in Manjri, Pune. The two-day conclave will see the sugar industry deliberate on various issues sector is facing and the way forward.
He said, “Bajaj TVS & Hero had brought flex engine motorcycles & autos. I got after PM to get 3 Indian Oil ethanol pumps in Pune but not a single drop of it sold yet so I want to request Ajit Pawar to come together & call a meeting with Bajaj. We’ll speak to Bajaj to start scooter-auto in Pune on 100% ethanol. Let’s start from here. It will also reduce pollution.”
Union Minister stressed upon the need to focus on ethanol production as it will not help to reduce the dependence on import on crude oil but will also make environment pollution free. Efforts are also on to introduce ethanol in construction and agriculture equipment.
He asked sugar mills to shift focus on ethanol production as sugar prices are dependent on crude oil prices. The rise in sugar demand across the globe is temporary. When the price of crude oil goes up to $140 per barrel, Brazil produces ethanol from sugarcane, increasing the demand for sugar from India. When the price of crude oil dips to $70 to $80 per barrel, Brazil starts producing sugar.
