The Philippine government is looking into suspending an increase in the biodiesel blending rate to B4 comprising 4% coco-methyl ester (CME) scheduled for October in a bid to manage the spike in fuel prices, according to a Business Inquirer report.
“The National Biofuels Board (NBB) recently had a meeting and it was proposed that the B4 implementation for October will be suspended,” Celia Raquepo, chief of the Philippine Coconut Authority’s (PCA) Laboratory Services Division was quoted as saying in the 12 June report.
According to the Department of Energy (DOE), the aim of the increase to B4 is to promote the use of cleaner energy as well as economic growth.
Raquepo said the recommendation was raised during the NBB meeting as the scheduled increase in the CME blend in all diesel fuel products sold within the country could lead to an increase in coconut prices.
Although the country had sufficient coconut supply, the price of copra was increasing, she added.
The NBB proposal was subject to the approval of the Energy Secretary, who chairs the board, Business Inquirer wrote.
Last October, the CME blend in diesel was raised from 2% to 3%, with a subsequent increase to 4% scheduled for 1 October this year and 5% by 1 October 2026.
The DOE has previously said that the higher CME blend would benefit coconut farmers, biodiesel producers and other stakeholders in the coconut industry.
