The Indian government has decided to allow private producers of biodiesel to sell directly to consumers to make the fuel more readily available.
India had a policy where only state-owned oil firms and only private firms investing Rs 2,000 crore (US$320 million) in oil infrastructure were allowed to sell petrol and diesel.
“The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its approval for amending the Motor Spirit (petrol) and High Speed Diesel (diesel) control order for Regulation of Supply, Distribution and Prevention of Malpractices dated December 19, 2005,” the government said in a statement.
“The amendment will allow private bio-diesel manufacturers, their authorised dealers and joint ventures of oil marketing companies authorised by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas as dealers and give marketing /distribution functions to them for the limited purpose of supply of bio-diesel to consumers,” it said.