Group urges gov’t to study E-10 compatibility in vehicles

MANILA, Philippines - Environmental group Kaibigan ng Kaunlaran at Kalikasan (KKK) has asked the government, specifically the National Biofuels Board (NBB), to show studies to prove E-10 compatibility in vehicles under Philippine driving conditions.

The group cautioned that the government may be misdirected in enforcing a 10 percent ethanol blend in all gasoline fuels beginning April 1, 2013.

KKK claimed that since the passage of the Biofuels Law (RA 9367) six years ago, the NBB has not shown comprehensive and scientific studies on the effects of ethanol use in vehicles nor have they conducted “extensive” public consultations.

“Carbureted engines and older vehicles, which constitute a large portion of vehicles on the road, are not compatible with E-10 and may damage the vehicles’ fuel lines, fuel pumps, and carburetors.  These engines include those found in motorcycles, and equipment used by farmers and fisherfolk,” KKK executive director Ed Alabastro said.

Furthermore, he said there is not enough information given to the motoring public on the negative effects of E-10 gasoline.

Currently, regular gasoline and some gasoline grades are exempted from ethanol blending.

However, with the looming government mandate, all motorists and gasoline users have no choice but to use E-10 gasoline.

“Amid high oil prices, why are they forcing a higher ethanol blend when it means that motorists now have to pay more to travel less,” Alabastro pointed out.

KKK said the price of locally-produced ethanol is often significantly higher than imported gasoline and imported ethanol. 

KKK also said for 2012, the average cost of imported premium gasoline was less than P35 per liter while locally-produced ethanol averaged over P45 per liter. 

Imported ethanol averaged P30 per liter last year, much less than imported gasoline and local ethanol, the group noted.