THE GOVERNMENT is looking to raise the coco-methyl ester (CME) blend in diesel fuel to 5%, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) said.
“We are pushing for a 5% increase in the biofuel. Presently, we are at 3%, but we want to engage that promise to fulfill the increase in the biofuel,” PCA administrator and chief executive officer Dexter Buted said in a chance interview with reporters.
He added: “We are pushing to the DOE and also to the government. It will depend on the price of the CME.”
The biofuel blend is currently at 3%. While the government is eyeing an increase to 5%, the PCA said local producers have the capacity to supply a blend of up to 7%.
“The production of CME, according to our manufacturers, they can produce at least 7%,” Buted said.
A higher CME blend is expected to boost demand for coconut oil and copra, potentially benefiting coconut farmers through increased demand for their produce.
The actual impact on their income, however, will still depend on prevailing coconut and CME prices. (GMA News)
