The United States generated fewer ethanol blending credits in April compared with the previous month, while biodiesel-related credits increased, reflecting changing trends in the country’s biofuel production and blending activity, according to data released by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Reuters reported.
EPA data showed that 1.22 billion ethanol blending credits, known as D6 Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs), were generated in April, slightly lower than the 1.24 billion credits recorded in March.
In contrast, biodiesel blending credits, classified as D4 RINs, rose during the month. Biodiesel credit generation increased to 690 million in April from 653 million in March, indicating stronger biodiesel production and blending activity.
The credits form part of the Renewable Fuel Standard programme and are used by oil refiners and fuel importers to demonstrate compliance with EPA renewable fuel blending requirements. Renewable Identification Numbers are generated for every gallon of qualifying biofuel produced and blended into the fuel supply.
The latest figures point to a modest slowdown in ethanol credit generation during April, while biodiesel continued to gain momentum within the U.S. renewable fuels market.
