Jakarta: Indonesia will move forward with its plan to introduce B50 biodiesel this year, President Prabowo Subianto announced during an official visit to Japan on Monday, Reuters reported.
Speaking at a business forum ahead of his meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the president said the country is stepping up its focus on biofuel production.
He stated that Indonesia plans to increase the palm oil content in its diesel blend from 40% to 50% this year, marking a shift towards higher use of renewable fuel.
The B50 programme involves a mix of 50% palm oil-based biodiesel and 50% conventional diesel. The move comes despite an earlier decision in January to delay the rollout due to technical and financial challenges, with authorities opting to continue with the B40 blend at the time.
However, the plan has been revived amid concerns over global energy supply disruptions linked to the ongoing tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
Officials say the push towards higher biodiesel blending is part of Indonesia’s broader effort to strengthen energy security and reduce dependence on imported fuels.
