JAKARTA, March 9 — Indonesia will accelerate the mandatory blending of bioethanol into fuel as global oil prices surge, said Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia today.
Xinhua reported that the move will require gasoline to contain 20 per cent ethanol (E20) to reduce reliance on imports and lower fuel costs.
The government will also expedite the implementation of a 50 per cent biodiesel mandate (B50), a fuel blend of diesel and palm oil-based biofuel. Indonesia currently enforces a 40 per cent biodiesel mandate, known as B40.
"Given the current situation, the government is seeking the best alternatives to safeguard the national energy supply," he said, adding that the measures would also help promote cleaner fuels.
