Local biofuels consumption seen higher this year, says USDA
The Philippines anticipates a rise in biofuels consumption this year amid economic growth. According to a USDA report, fuel ethanol demand is projected to surge by 8% to 682 million liters, while biodiesel consumption will increase by 0.8% to 240 million liters. Currently, petroleum oil products require a 10% ethanol (E10) and 2% biodiesel (B2) blend. The USDA forecasts fuel ethanol imports to increase by 13.8% to 280 million liters.
The Philippines’ biofuels consumption is expected to further recover this year as the economy grows.
In a report dated May 14, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) said demand for fuel ethanol is expected to grow 8 percent to 682 million liters this year from 629 million liters last year. Biodiesel consumption will go up by 0.8 percent to 240 million liters from 238 million liters.
At present, petroleum oil products sold in the country must be blended with 10 percent of ethanol (E10) and 2 percent of biodiesel (B2).
DOE Secretary Raphael Lotilla had said then that the current E10 blend on gasoline will be voluntarily increased to 20 percent while the current B2 coco methyl ester blend on diesel is set to mandatorily be adjusted to 3 percent.
The USDA report said the Philippines’ production of fuel ethanol is seen hitting 395 million liters, an increase of 2 percent from 387 million liters. Production of biodiesel is expected to go up 2 percent to 230 million liters from 225 million liters.
The report said increased production of ethanol is likely due to improved capacity of some facilities such as the Balayan Distillery and Cavite Biofuels. However, USDA noted the challenge is the availability of sugarcane feedstock.
The USDA sees Philippine fuel ethanol imports for the year to grow by 13.8 percent to 280 million liters from 246 million liters to fill the gap.
Source Link : https://malaya.com.ph/news_business/local-biofuels-consumption-seen-higher-this-year-says-usda/
