President Emmanuel Macron has called for greater flexibility in Europe’s fuel‑quality rules to help ease pressure on oil supplies and curb soaring fuel prices, according to a letter sent to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Among his proposals is a move to increase the permitted share of biofuels in both diesel and kerosene – a step welcomed by Europe’s biodiesel sector.
Xavier Noyon, Secretary General of the European Biodiesel Board (EBB), said the industry stands ready to support rapid decarbonisation if blending limits are raised.
“EBB has consistently advocated for B10 and higher blends of FAME and HVO. We are glad to see that French President Emmanuel Macron is calling, amongst other things, for flexibility in biofuel blending limits. Fewer restrictions will mean faster decarbonisation, and the European biofuel sector is ready to deliver,” he commented.
Noyon added that relaxing European fuel‑quality standards would allow bio‑based diesel (FAME and HVO) and bio‑SAF to play a larger role in addressing concerns over diesel and aviation fuel supply.
“A key avenue in President Macron’s proposal is relaxing European standards on fuel quality, increasing the share of biofuels. In particular, there are concerns about diesel and aviation fuel. Bio‑based diesel and bioSAF can therefore play a role by excellence.”
He urged the European Commission to provide a clear signal to the market. “The whole supply chain – from producers to fuel suppliers and from OEMs to component manufacturers – can come together to increase the blending limits available at the pump across Europe.”
