US company seeking permission to import ethanol from Sudan

In Washington, an unidentified company is negotiating with the US Office of Foreign Assets Control to get permission for imports of ethanol produced by Kenana Sugar in Sudan. Sudan has been on a list of banned countries since 1997 due to alleged links with terrorists. Eighteen US companies have already been granted such permission to supply the company with parts and technology. Kenana is looking to boost its ethanol production to 200 million liters from the current 60 million liters so as to supply a 10% ethanol blend as well as exports.