The Karnataka government is set to introduce biodiesel retail outlets across the state as part of an initiative to promote the use of green fuel. This was discussed in a meeting between Karnataka State Bioenergy Development Board (KSBDB) Chairman S. E. Sudheendra and the Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs, and Legal Metrology, K. H. Muniyappa, held at Vidhana Soudha, reported Varta Bharati.
During the meeting, Sudheendra emphasized that the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas had allowed the sale of biodiesel through retail outlets since 2019.
He informed the minister that KSBDB has been actively working on bioenergy projects across the state and that the establishment of biodiesel outlets would support the National Mission to promote B-100 biodiesel usage in vehicles. Additionally, he conveyed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s strong interest in strengthening the bioenergy sector in Karnataka.
Sudheendra also mentioned that the board is in the process of developing a new Karnataka State Bioenergy Policy, aimed at expanding and commercializing biofuel initiatives.
The policy is being crafted under the guidance of Rural Development, Panchayat Raj, and IT/BT Minister Priyank Kharge.
Minister Muniyappa welcomed the proposal and instructed senior officials to take immediate action to issue the necessary licenses for the retail outlets.
The meeting was attended by Food and Civil Supplies Principal Secretary Manoj Jain (IAS), Commissioner Vasireddi Vijaya Jyothsna (IAS), KSBDB Managing Director Shiva Shankar L., DCF Lohith B. R., Project Consultant Dr. Dayananda G. N., and other senior officials.
