Amid the continuing fuel price increases and supply concerns that are also affecting the sugar industry, Negros Occidental 5th District Rep. Emilio Bernardino Yulo has called on the national government to increase the country’s ethanol blend requirement to cushion fuel price hikes.
The fuel blend increase, from E10 (10 percent ethanol) to E15 (15 percent ethanol), is a practical measure to avert possible fuel shortage, and provide relief to local sugar industry and the public, Yulo said in a press release March 18.
He noted that Republic Act 9367, or the Biofuels Act of 2006, mandates a minimum 10 percent bioethanol blend in gasoline fuel. “Moving from E10 to E15 would raise the required ethanol component, temper gasoline prices, and expand demand for bioethanol derived from molasses.”
The solon said that fuel prices have risen due to geopolitical tensions and the resulting instability in global oil market, which placed additional pressure on consumers and the economy.
“Increasing the ethanol blend can create stronger domestic demand for sugarcane-based ethanol, and provide a needed market for sugar byproducts at a time when our farmers are under tremendous pressure and the general public is reeling from rising prices,” Yulo stressed. “With strong domestic-sourcing priorities in place, an increase in fuel blend can help expand the market for locally-produced ethanol, and provide support to our sugar industry.” ||
