Brazil CNPE energy council to discuss increasing ethanol, biodiesel mandates
Brazil's National Energy Policy Council (CNPE), comprised of government ministers who advise fuel policy decisions, will discuss raising the mandated proportion of ethanol in gasoline to 30% from a current 27% at a meeting on Wednesday, according to two sources.
The council will also discuss raising the proportion of biodiesel in diesel to 15% from its current 14%, the sources said.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel play an important role in decarbonizing the global transport sector and cutting emissions of greenhouse gases linked to burning non-renewable fuels.
In February, the CNPE 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.
In March, Brazil's ministry of mines and energy said increasing the proportion of gasoline to 30% from 27% was backed by tests showing "consistent performance" and "real environmental benefits."
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