India launches new biodiesel blend on ‘International biodiesel day’

The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas of India celebrated ‘International Biodiesel Day’ last Monday by announcing the sale of bio-diesel at a number of service stations.

Three state-owned Indian retailers will be offering the new bio-diesel B 5 blend, reported KNN India. Those companies are Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL), reports Northern Voices Online.

“It’s a path breaking step in India’s retail sector for launching Bio-diesel B 5 blend to diesel consumers,” the Ministry said in a statement.

Biodiesel commercialized in India is generally made from non-edible vegetable oils, which are mixed with High Speed Diesel.

The 10^th of August is celebrated every year as the ‘International biodiesel day’. It makes reference to to the first built diesel engine to be powered in August 10, 1893, by scientist Rudolf Diesel.