It has also decided to allow LPG as an auto fuel, and the ministry of petroleum and natural gas is making the necessary amendment to the LPG Control Order. The ministry of surface transport is also amending the Motor Vehicle Act.

Alternate fuels are being considered with the growing need for minimising pollution due to auto emission. LPG is being used as an auto fuel in various countries. The government has set up two committees to examine various aspects of using LPG as an auto fuel with the increased availability of LPG import facilities at various ports both by private and public sector oil companies. Earlier, LPG was not considered due to its deficit in LPG availability even for meeting the demand for domestic customers.

Compared to high-speed diesel, CNG reducespollutants in auto emission to an extent of about 70 per cent. There are already nine CNG outlets in the Capital but the utilisation of these outlets is only 20 per cent. The demand is expected to increase in view of various directives of the Supreme Court. Gas Authority of India Ltd would be expanding the CNG outlets to 80 by March 31, 2000.

Di-Methyl Ether, which can be obtained from natural gas is being talked as the 21st century fuel and a project is being set up in the country. Amoco has entered into an agreement with GAIL/IOC/IIP to form a joint venture with 50 per cent foreign equity and the balance would be domestic.

Alcohol has also emerged as another alternative fuel. In Brazil about 70 per cent of alcohol, mixed with 30 per cent of motor spirit (MS), is being used as auto fuel. In India there are various constraints to implement use of alcohol as auto fuel. Its availability is to be consistent and the quality should be anhydrous, apart from the price being comparable with motor spirit.

Thecommittee is also expected to study the economic and environmental costs of installing CNG kits in old vehicles or whether it can be recommended for new vehicles in a particular category.