GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 6668

ANSWERED ON:06.05.2010

AVAILABILITY OF MOLASSES 

(a) whether the byproduct of sugarcane molasses available in the country is also being used for mixing with petroleum products in addition to brewing liquor;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the quantum of molasses used for mixing in petroleum products and in brewing liquor separately during each of the last three years; and

(d) the average price of molasses for both purposes separately during the said period?

ANSWER

 MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS (SHRI SRI KANT KUMAR JENA)

(a) to (d) Molasses are not used for mixing with petroleum products. Ethanol, produced from molasses is allowed to be blended with Motor Spirit (MS) to the extent of 5% under the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme. During 2006-09, 58.7 crore litre of ethanol was procured and blended against requirement of 180 crore litres.

The quantum of molasses used for production of potable alcohol during last three years in respect of 10 major producing states is as follows: 

2006-07 9.0 million MT

2007-08 9.2 million MT

2008-09 7.0 million MT

The average price of molasses varies from state to state and the price range is as follows: 

Year Average Price including all taxes (Rs. per MT)

2006-07 1167-4543

2007-08 1279-4253

2008-09 3433-6906