Germany’s biofuels association MVaK has called for greater use of B10 diesel, which contains up to 10% biodiesel, to replace conventional B7 diesel, which has a biofuel content of up to 7%. The association said a higher biodiesel blend could help reduce fuel expenses, cut carbon emissions and improve Germany’s energy security, UkrAgroConsult reported.
The proposal comes amid continued pressure on global diesel markets and efforts to reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.
According to MVaK, motorists could save around €2 on a full tank by using B10 instead of B7. At certain points this year, B10 could have been priced €0.03 per litre lower than conventional B7, resulting in savings of nearly €2 on a typical 65-litre fill-up.
The association said increasing the domestic use of biodiesel could help moderate fuel prices and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels.
The transition from B7 to B10 has also received support at the European level, with French President Emmanuel Macron previously urging the European Commission to encourage wider adoption of B10 diesel. However, MVaK said German regulations governing fuel availability at filling stations continue to limit the introduction of the higher biodiesel blend.
The association has called for changes to these requirements, pointing to Italy’s approach, under which only a proportion of filling stations are required to continue offering B7 diesel.
Germany has the capacity to expand domestic biodiesel consumption, with production facilities capable of producing more than four million tonnes annually, according to MVaK. The association said greater domestic consumption could reduce the need to export biodiesel and make more renewable fuel available to the local market.
MVaK argued that increasing biodiesel use could provide a longer-term option for stabilising the fuel market, compared with temporary interventions such as releasing strategic fuel reserves.
The association has also highlighted potential savings for commercial transport operators through the use of B100, which consists entirely of biodiesel. According to MVaK, B100 is currently around €0.30 per litre cheaper than conventional diesel.
Wider adoption of B10 and B100 could strengthen Germany’s biofuel industry, increase domestic demand for renewable feedstocks and help reduce road transport costs, the association said.
