Ethanol sales strictly regulated, says company

By GLORIA BAUAI
THE country’s large-scale ethanol producer, Ramu Agri Industries Ltd, says its sales here and overseas, are strictly regulated.
The company was responding to allegations that its product caused the deaths of people who drank ethanol in Salamanda, Lae, last weekend.
“Sales of ethanol are strictly regulated and the company adheres to appropriate legalisation for its sale,” a company official told The National.
“It is incumbent on all customers of ethanol to ensure that it is appropriately controlled and does not fall into the hands of abusers.”
Ethanol is a form of alcohol derived from a by-product of sugar called molasses through a distillery.
Ethanol is only produced during the sugar harvesting season.
Angau Memorial Hospital emergency doctor Alex Peawi clarified that the death of five men and the serious complications in others were due to methanol poisoning.
He explained that methanol was 100 per cent alcohol and reserved strictly for industrial use.
It not meant to be consumed.
Meanwhile, the families of the deceased are calling on the police Criminal Investigation Division to investigate the matter and identify the source of the substance.