MUADZAM SHAH, Nov 6 (Bernama) -- The Science, Technology and InnovationsMinistry will carry out detailed studies on the use of palm oil as analternative to petrol.

Its minister, Datuk Seri Dr Jamaluddin Mohd Jarjis said the efforts werein line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's call towiden palm oil use by finding new applications.

"Efforts in this direction, when I was with Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB)earlier, found palm oil mixed with diesel could be used as an efficentfuel for electricity generation.

"I believe the mixture of palm oil and diesel can be an alternative choiceto petrol because of its lower cost," he told reporters after breaking thefast and tarawih prayers at the Muadzam Shah Mosque here Friday night.

Jamaluddin was confident automotive companies Perodua and Proton togetherwith petroleum giant Petronas would assist the government on the matter.

-- BERNAMA