August 30, 2006	Wednesday	Sha'aban 5, 1427

KARACHI, Aug 29: Pakistan State Oil has launched E-10 gasoline pilot project at a retail outlet in Karachi. It is based on a detailed feasibility study conducted by the Hydrocarbon Development Institute of Pakistan (HDIP).

PSO managing director Jalees Ahmed Siddiqi said 25 identified (selected) vehicles using ethanol-blended gasoline would be monitored by the HDIP and PSO to evaluate their performance, customer response and feedback. On August 16, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz had launched the project in Islamabad.

Besides Islamabad and Karachi, the study would also be conducted in a similar fashion in Lahore, with one PSO outlet dedicated in each of these cities, he said, adding that successful completion of the project would present customers with alternative fuel choices such as CNG and LPG, says a press release.

The new fuel – 10 per cent ethanol blended with motor gasoline -– is being introduced experimentally as part of government’s strategy to promote alternative energy resources. The pilot project will be conducted for six months, with 25 pre-identified vehicles using ethanol-blended gasoline in each city.

Ethanol, a by-product of molasses obtained through distillation, will not only be comparatively cheaper but also enhance performance of the engine through lead removal. It would also benefit the farmer who would feel attracted to grow more sugarcane and get adequate compensation, Mr Siddiqi added.