KARACHI: The Petroleum Division is set to hold a crucial meeting today (Wednesday) with stakeholders from the oil sector to explore the feasibility of ethanol blending in petrol. The meeting will include officials from the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) and representatives of local refineries to evaluate the availability and integration of fuel-grade ethanol into refining operations.
Policy Development Underway
The initiative, originally proposed in July this year, aims to align with the prime minister’s directives to develop a comprehensive plan for ethanol-blended petrol. A committee was established to draft a detailed policy to support its production and supply.
Industry Concerns and Past Challenges
Despite the renewed push, industry experts remain skeptical about the economic and operational viability of ethanol blending. Previous attempts during the Pervez Musharraf era were abandoned due to commercial impracticality.
Refinery representatives argue that while current ethanol prices are low, fluctuations could make the initiative unsustainable. Moreover, the financial burden on refineries and the sugar industry—responsible for ethanol production—raises further concerns about the long-term viability of the project.
This meeting marks another effort to address the challenges and explore potential solutions for introducing ethanol-blended petrol in Pakistan.