The Philippines is planning to increase the share of biodiesel in its fuel mix to reduce the impact of high oil prices linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, according to a report by the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
A committee under the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries has supported full implementation of the 2006 Biofuels Act and recommended an immediate shift to a 5% biodiesel blend. The National Sectoral Committee on Coconut said the move could improve engine performance and help lower fuel costs.
The panel said increasing the coconut-based component in diesel would reduce dependence on imported fuel and provide a stable market for coconut farmers. It also noted that the step would support long-term energy security and help bring down fuel expenses.
Dean Lao Jr. of the United Coconut Association of the Philippines said higher biodiesel blends can improve fuel efficiency. He said that when the blend was increased from 2% to 3%, vehicle mileage improved by at least 3%, adding that a higher blend would also help reduce emissions.
Earlier plans to increase the biodiesel blend had been delayed. The Department of Energy, acting on recommendations from the National Biofuels Board, postponed the rollout of 4% and 5% blends due to rising global coconut oil prices. These increases were originally scheduled for October 2025 and 2026.
At present, biodiesel content in diesel remains at 3%, a level that has been in place since October 1, 2024.
