Malaysia expects its move to increase the biodiesel blend from B10 to B15 to reduce diesel consumption by about 386.73 million litres, or 334,139 tonnes, annually, extending the country’s diesel supplies by up to 20 days, according to the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (KPK).
The ministry said the estimate is based on a cost-benefit analysis of raising the biodiesel blend in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah from B10 to B12 or B15, Paultan.org reported.
In a written reply to Parliament, the ministry said the National Biodiesel Programme has helped reduce dependence on fossil fuels, strengthen energy security and improve the country’s resilience against global fuel supply disruptions and price volatility.
The response was issued to Senator Norhasmimi Abdul Ghani, who sought details on the programme’s effectiveness in reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels and lowering diesel costs for domestic consumers.
The ministry said Malaysia had increased the biodiesel blend rate for the transport sector in response to geopolitical uncertainty and the global energy crisis, which disrupted fuel supply chains and pushed up energy prices.
Malaysia currently operates 20 biodiesel plants with enough production capacity to support biodiesel blends of up to 30%. However, most facilities are running below capacity as domestic demand remains limited to B10 fuel at retail outlets and B7 in selected industrial sectors.
The B15 fuel consists of 15% palm methyl ester (PME) blended with 85% petroleum diesel and replaces the existing B10 blend without increasing costs for consumers, the ministry said.
Malaysia plans to gradually increase biodiesel blending beyond B15, with future targets including B20, B30 and potentially B50 as part of its long-term strategy to reduce fossil fuel consumption and increase the use of palm-based renewable fuels.
