Illegal sale of biodiesel rampant in Navi Mumbai

With diesel prices is skyrocketing and already touched Rs 100 per liter, the illegal sale of biodiesel has increased in the coastal areas of Navi Mumbai and Raigad district. Early this week, the Uran police have arrested two persons for allegedly selling bio-diesel and also seized around 7000 liters of biodiesel worth Rs 4.7 lakh.

Local activist says that biodiesel is being used rampantly by truckers and fishermen in boats as it is available illegally at a low price.

The arrested accused were identified as Rahul Prakash Deshmukh and Prakash Mane, both are residents of Uran. They were arrested with 7000 liters of biodiesel in two plastic containers

worth Rs 4,31,550. “They were selling biodiesel without any

license near Kunal Yard in Chirle along the Uran-JNPT road,” said a police official from Uran police station. He added that the action was taken on behalf of the Tehsildar office Uran.Following the state government’s order to crack down on illegal sale of biodiesel in coastal areas, under the guidance of Bhausaheb Andhare, Uran Tehsilsar, a special team has been formed. “We had received information that biodiesel was being sold in CIDCO's open space along UranJNPT

road in Raigad. The team visited the place and found two plastic tanks filled with biodiesel with a capacity of 5000 liters and 2000 liters. Two persons were found selling the fuel,” said an official from Uran tehsil office. He added they were selling the biodiesel without any license and also named one person involved in the illegal trade.