Ethanol-Petrol programme to boost energy security: FICCI

New Delhi, May 16 (UNI) Congratulating Petroleum Minister Murli deora on the launch of ethanol-blended petrol nationwide, industry chamber FICCI today said the programme will catapult India to the select group of countries using alternative fuels in the transportation sector.

Describing it as a ''landmark development'' for India in the use of alternative energy, FICCI President Habil Khorakiwala expressed confidence that the implementation of the programme will mean lower dependence on oil imports, enhance the country's energy security and encourage the use of alternative energy sources, thus reducing the adverse impact on the environment.

Currently, Japan, the US and Brazil are among the countries that have introduced bio-fuels in the transport sector.

''Equally, it will connect the farmers of India in a more inclusive way to the Indian economy, as they would now have another outlet for their sugarcane production, as also spawn the growth of other ethanol producing crops such as maize,'' the chamber cheif said.

UNI