Brazil implements B10 mandate a year ahead of schedule
March 5, 2018
BY Ron Kotrba
Brazil’s nationwide biodiesel mandate has increased from 8 to 10 percent on March 1, according to the Ministry of Mines and Energy. The National Energy Policy Council approved the increase in December, one year ahead of schedule. The mandate increase was signed into law March 2016 and was expected to increase by 1 percent a year through 2019, from 7 to 10 percent.
The ministry stated that increasing the blend mandate from 8 to 10 percent will grow biodiesel demand in Brazil this year by 1 billion liters (more than 264 million gallons). Estimated total biodiesel consumption in 2018 is expected to reach 5.3 billion liters (1.4 billion gallons), according to the ministry announcement.
The March 1 start date coincides with the onset of the soybean harvest in Brazil, thereby ensuring adequate supply of soybean oil feedstock.
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