Mexico increases blended fuels

by | Jun 19, 2017 | 5 Ag Stories, News

A Mexican government agency announced plans to increase the maximum amount of blended ethanol in its regular and premium fuels.

The Mexican Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) will increase the amount of E10 from 5.8 percent to 10 percent. In its decision, CRE noted the benefits of E10. Benefits noted include: air quality improvement and reduced cancer risk. The Mexican Institute of Petroleum will further study the merits of E10 blends.

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor said the decision clears the way for further adoption of ethanol into the Mexican fuel supply.

?By doing so, Mexican consumers will see how embracing ethanol will reduce harmful emissions, help contribute to a cleaner environment, and will create a stronger rural sector,? said Skor.

As a result of the decision, Mexico now moves toward global standards in the use of renewable and sustainable energy resources like ethanol that offer environmental, economic, social and public health advantages over other additives and oxygenates for gasoline.

Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Bob Dinneen said the decision will benefit Mexico?s fuel market and economy in numerous ways.

“By permitting the use of E10 in its fuel market, Mexico will have blend levels consistent with fuel sold and used throughout the United States and Canada,? Dinneen said. ?Not only will Mexico be able to achieve greater octane and oxygenate benefits from using E10, it will help to drive trade and investment in its ethanol fuel sector. We hope the Mexican Institute of Petroleum will soon conclude its study, and are confident the study will affirm the air quality benefits of the use of E10 in the country?s most populous cities, thereby allowing it to be used in all regions of the country.?

The decision follows ongoing energy reforms, as well as input from government and private sector stakeholders, research scientists and social interest groups. In August 2016, regulators moved to allow ethanol in local supplies, except in Mexico?s three largest metropolitan areas: Monterrey, Guadalajara and Mexico City.