The Department of Energy (DoE) has announced that the requirement for oil companies to increase the coconut biodiesel blend will soon take effect, reported Business World Online.
Starting October 1, all diesel sold in the country must contain a 3% biodiesel blend, up from the previous 2%. This blend will rise to 4% by October 1, 2025, and to 5% by October 1, 2026.
The DoE stated, “This increase in the coconut methyl ester (CME) blend is anticipated to benefit coconut farmers, biodiesel producers, and other stakeholders in the industry, requiring around 900 million additional coconuts to produce 100 to 120 million liters of CME for the mandatory 1% increase.”
Under the Biofuels Act of 2006, all liquid fuels for motors and engines must contain locally sourced biofuel components, the report further added.
Since February 2009, oil companies have been obligated to implement a 2% biodiesel blend by volume in all diesel fuel sold and distributed in the country.
As per the media report, the agency also noted that consumers can expect improved mileage, with the average increasing from 10 kilometers per liter of diesel to nearly 11 kilometers.
