Brazil to increase ethanol blend in petrol

On 16 March 2015, Brazil will increase its ethanol blend in petrol from 25% to 27%.

'This is an operation in which everyone wins,' said Eduardo Braga, the Minister of Mines and Energy.

Tests carried out by energy company Petrobras in 2014 into the impacts of a higher ethanol blend on vehicle engines did not show any technical problems arising from the use of petrol mixed with 27.5% ethanol.

The Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA) supports the government's decision to increase the percentage of biofuels in petrol.