Karkar Islanders turn to bio-fuel for cheaper alternative

 By DOROTHY MARK
KARKAR islanders in Madang who own diesel-run vehicles have switched to bio-fuel made from coconut oil, according to Sumkar District Development Authority member Tonny Dibul.
He said the vehicle owners could easily access bio-fuel at the service station at Kulili estate owned by businessman Sir John Middleton.
Dibul said the alternative fuel was cheaper.
Kulili Estate factory supervisor John Rawal said the bio-fuel was produced from coconut oil extracted from the mill.
Rawal said it was a small-scale production meant only for the company’s needs but vehicle owners were welcome to refuel their vehicles there.
“We are selling the fuel at K2 per litre,” he said.
Rawal said Kulili Estate produced 50,000 litres of bio-fuel every month and used 600,000 litres annually.
It means 1200 tonnes of copra were needed to produce 600,000 litres of bio-fuel.
He said Karkar island could supply the alternative fuel for the whole of the province if authorities supported the venture.
“Karkar Island can become the bio-fuel supplier for whole of Madang province,” Rawal said.
Truck owner Mugiar Yass said K40 of bio-fuel could last him about two weeks.