DA Seeks Cheaper Feedstocks for Bioethanol Expansion
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is exploring cheaper and more diverse feedstock options to make locally produced bioethanol more competitive with imports, as it considers raising the national bioethanol blend from 10 percent to 15 percent.
According to DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, they are evaluating feedstock sources such as molasses, sugarcane juice, and locally produced corn to support higher ethanol output and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.
'We are studying these options carefully, and there is potential for them to help bring down gasoline prices,' Tiu Laurel said in a statement.
The DA noted that domestic feedstock remains more expensive than imported supplies, while locally produced bioethanol costs about twice as much as imported alternatives. Higher feedstock costs translate to an estimated PHP1 increase per liter in ethanol prices.