DIESEL fuel contains 1 percent more coco methyl ester (CME) blend, or from 2 percent to 3 percent, beginning October 1 in a bid to decrease dependence on imported fuels and to support local biodiesel sectors, according to the Department of Energy (DOE).
Energy Undersecretary Alessandro Sales said the department circular released in May this year was in compliance with the Biofuels Act of 2006 that mandates that all liquid fuels for motors and engines sold in the Philippines be blended with biofuels.
“Ito ay isang programa para mai-rollout nang dahan-dahan ‘yung pagtaas ng ating blend ng biodiesel,” he told Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon on Tuesday, October 2. “Sa pagtataas ng blend, dumadami ang pangangailangan para sa coconut oil, sa coconuts. Ito ay diretsang tulong sa ating mga coconut farmers by providing that market.”
The CME percentage blend will then increase to 4 percent by October 1, 2025, and ultimately to 5 percent by October 1, 2026.
“Minabuti natin na dahan-dahan, taon taon ang pagtaas para rin ‘yung mga nagpo-proseso nating mga biorefineries, makasabay rin, hindi ‘yung biglaan,” said Sales.
The Energy department official said the increase in CME blend may lead to less than 1 percent increase in the per liter price of diesel. But he noted that the more CME content translates to increased mileage for diesel-powered vehicles.
“Ito ay mahabang testing na halos 30,000 kilometers ‘yung tinakbo. Makikita dun sa test na gumaganda ang mileage ng diesel ng sasakyan na habang tumataas ang biodiesel blend,” said Sales. “Kapag dumating ng B5 (5 percent), up to 10 percent ang increase sa mileage ng isang diesel engine.”
Further, the policy to increase CME blend in diesel also seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“Sa ating pagsisiyasat, lumalabas na sa isang porsyento ng biodiesel mix, naibaba ng 0.65% ang emission. Dahil tinaas natin sa 3 percent ang biodiesel, bababa ang emission by almost 2%. Ito ay malaking din sa krisis na hinaharap natin sa climate change,” said Sales.
The transport sector is considered as one of the contributors of greenhouse gas emissions in the country.
Citing the Climate Change Commission, the Philippine Statistics Authority last July said the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions amounted to 204.33 teragrams of CO2 in 2020, a decline of 12.3 percent from the 232.99 teragrams of CO2 in 2015. (GMA Integrated News)
