The Ministry of Petroleum has decided to postpone the launching of ethanol mixed petrol, scheduled for January 1, 2003, in nine stats and four UTs. Mr. Ram Naik, Minister of Petroleum has reportedly instructed oil companies to supply ethanol mixed petrol only at selected depots in these states as the cartel of sugar lobby is asking for a price, much higher than the market price, for the supply of 5 per cent ethanol mixed petrol.