Philippines considers raising mandatory bioethanol blend to 15 per cent
The proposal comes as gasoline prices reach as high as ₱107.46 per litre in Metro Manila, according to industry data.
The Philippine government is considering a higher bioethanol requirement for gasoline as pump prices exceed ₱100 per litre. Energy Undersecretary Alessandro Sales said the National Biofuels Board was assessing whether to move from the current 10 per cent blend, or E10, to 15 per cent, known as E15.
Sales said the change could help moderate gasoline prices. Industry data showed prices in Metro Manila reaching ₱107.46 per litre, following a second consecutive round of increases in which gasoline rose by as much as ₱1.56 per litre.
The Biofuels Act of 2006 requires oil companies to include a minimum bioethanol content of 10 per cent by volume in gasoline distributed and sold across the country. An E15 blend would comprise 15 per cent bioethanol and 85 per cent conventional gasoline by volume.
E20 is already offered voluntarily, Sales said, although some carmakers do not guarantee vehicle compatibility with that blend. He said many vehicles could use E15 without invalidating their warranties.
The energy and agriculture departments are also assessing cheaper and more varied raw materials to improve the competitiveness of domestic bioethanol production against imports. Options under examination include molasses, sugarcane juice and locally grown corn. Sales said imported ethanol was cheaper and helped lower pump prices.
