CCEA clears hike in ethanol prices for 2019-20

New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on Tuesday approved an increase in prices of ethanol for the upcoming sugar season 2019-20 (October-September). As per an official statement, the CCEA decided to increase prices of ethanol derived from “C heavy” molasses to Rs 43.75 per litre from the 43.36 per litre. The prices of ethanol derived from “B heavy” molasses would also be increased from Rs 52.43 to Rs 54.27 per litre.

The CCEA also decided that the price of ethanol from the sugarcane juice, sugar and sugar syrup route would be fixed at Rs 59.48 per litre.

“Additionally, GST and transportation charges will also be payable. OMCs (oil marketing companies) have been advised to fix realistic transportation charges so that long distance transportation of ethanol is not disincentivised,” the statement said. “OMCs are advised to continue according priority of ethanol from 1) sugarcane juice/sugar/sugar syrup, 2) B heavy molasses 3) C heavy molasses and 4) damaged food grains/other sources, in that order,” it said.

All distilleries would be able to take benefit of the scheme and a large number of them are expected to supply ethanol for the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme. Remunerative price to ethanol suppliers would help in reduction of cane farmers’ arrears, in the process contributing to minimising difficulty of sugarcane farmers, the statement said. The government has been implementing EBP Programme wherein OMCs sell petrol blended with ethanol up to 10 per cent. This programme has been extended to whole of India except the Union Territories of Andaman Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands with effect from April 1 this year to promote the use of alternative and environment-friendly fuels. (IANS)

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