Call to increase coco biodiesel blend in Philippines

A request has been made by the Philippines Coconut Authority (PCA) to the National Biofuels Board (NBB) to increase the current 2% blend of coco biodiesel before the end of the year.

The proposal wants the blend to be increased to 5% and would mean an additional 21,000 metric tons of coconut oil would be needed to meet the requirement.

PCA administrator Euclides Forbes says the proposal was in response to recurring oil price hikes and to act as a boost to regional coconut farmers. The three percent increase was governed by the global automotive manufacturer’s allowable blend to reduce emissions.

“Our office hopes that the NBB will take our request into consideration within this year, especially if there will be significant adjustments of fuel prices,’ adds Forbes.

Pilipino fuel contains 2% biofuel for diesel and 10% bio-ethanol as mandated by current law. The NBB has stated that its overall plan is to increase that share to 20% by 2030.