Brazil raises biofuel blending levels

Brazil's National Energy Policy Council (CNPE) approved raising the level of biofuels mixed into fossil fuels - a move towards petroleum self-sufficiency that was also celebrated by renewable energy lobbies after the government earlier hinted the blends would not be changed this year.
From August 1, the proportion of ethanol to be mixed in gasoline will rise to 30% from 27%, and the amount of biodiesel in diesel increases to 15% from 14%, Pietro Mendes, oil and gas secretary at the energy ministry, said during an event to announce the changes.
Mines and Energy Minister Alexandre Silveira also said at the event that the change in the biofuels mandate would make Brazil "gasoline self-sufficient for the first time in 15 years."
Earlier this year, the CNPE had decided to hold the biodiesel blend at 14% amid fears the proposed increase could push up food prices and damage the government's approval ratings, something industry groups disputed.