India: Questions Raised on Authentix Effectiveness
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Wednesday, 08 October 2008 |
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A “revolutionary” marker launched two years ago to detect even minute
mixing of subsidised kerosene in higher-priced diesel and petrol has
been called into question by the state petrol retail companies.
In October 2006, Petroleum Minister Murli Deora rolled out a project
of dyeing kerosene with a non-removable marker imported from Authentix
of the UK, saying it would bring “an end” to the adulteration of auto
fuel. Annual cost: Rs 160 crore.
But this week, officials from the three state-run Oil marketing
companies (OMC) told Deora’s ministry that tests conducted at their
labs showed that “Authentix Marker can be laundered”.
“As per the findings, at a dosage of 1 percent, the powder removed the
Authentix Marker. At a dosage of 2 percent, the powder removed the blue
colour of the PDS kerosene,” says the paper jointly submitted by the
three OMCs (Oil Marketing Companies): Indian Oil Corp, Hindustan
Petroleum Corporation Ltd and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd.
PetrolWorld 051008
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