Manila: A committee under the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) has called for an increase in biodiesel blending to help improve fuel efficiency and ease the impact of rising fuel prices amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, according to the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
The council’s National Sectoral Committee on Coconut has approved a proposal backing the full implementation of the Biofuels Act of 2006 and has urged an immediate shift to a 5 per cent biodiesel blend (B5), according to a report.
The committee said increasing the share of coconut-based fuel in diesel would reduce the country’s dependence on imports while ensuring a steady market for millions of coconut farmers.
While noting that the move may not provide an instant solution to high fuel prices, the PCAF said higher biodiesel blending could lead to better engine performance, improved mileage and a more stable energy system over time.
Dean Lao Jr, vice chair of the United Coconut Association of the Philippines, said past increases in blending had already shown benefits. He pointed out that when the blend was raised from 2 per cent to 3 per cent, vehicle mileage improved, estimating a gain of around 3 per cent.
He added that a higher biodiesel mix would also help cut emissions from vehicles.
Earlier, the Department of Energy had postponed plans to increase biodiesel blending to 4 per cent in October 2025 and 5 per cent this year, following a recommendation from the National Biofuels Board. The decision was taken against the backdrop of rising global coconut oil prices.
At present, the share of coco methyl ester in diesel remains at 3 per cent, a level that has been in place since October 1, 2024.
