The Karnataka High Court has directed oil marketing companies to consider a plea from a dedicated ethanol plant seeking increased procurement of ethanol. The petitioner, a company engaged in supplying denatured anhydrous ethanol, argued that current procurement levels are insufficient.
Petition Details
The petitioner-company operates as a dedicated ethanol plant and supplies denatured anhydrous ethanol among other allied products. It approached the court after oil companies allegedly failed to respond to its request for higher ethanol procurement quotas.
Court's Directive
The High Court bench, while hearing the matter, instructed the oil companies to treat the representation from the ethanol producer sympathetically and take a decision within a stipulated timeframe. The court emphasized the need to support the ethanol industry, which plays a crucial role in the country's energy mix.
Implications
This directive comes amid ongoing efforts to boost ethanol blending in petrol, a key government initiative to reduce oil imports and promote cleaner fuel. The decision could impact ethanol producers in Karnataka and set a precedent for similar cases across the country.
