The KSRTC will be using five per cent bio-fuel for operating services in the Kozhikode and Kannur districts within one month.
“As a first step, biodiesel will be made available at the KSRTC depot at Thottilpalam in the Kozhikode district. From Friday onwards, buses operating from the depot will be operating on conventional diesel mixed with five per cent biodiesel,” stated a media release from Indian Oil here on Monday. Fuelling of the first bus will be inaugurated by Transport Minister A K Saseendran.
Using bio-diesel produced from vegetable oil (both edible and non-edible) such as palm oil, rapeseed, soybean, jatropha plant seed, animal fat, tallow and used cooking oil as vehicle fuel will improve air quality, and hence is environment-friendly.
Biodiesel is nontoxic and biodegradable and is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a fuel additive.
Normal diesel blended with up to 20 per cent biodiesel can be used directly in diesel engines, without modifying them. Biodiesel improves fuel lubricity and raises the cetane number of the fuel.
Diesel engines depend on lubricity of the fuel to keep moving parts from wearing prematurely. “We are proud to partner with the KSRTC in its endeavour to improve environment,” said Indian Oil.
