Expert cites mileage gain in using B5 coconut diesel fuel blend

MOTORISTS may expect to gain as much as 10 percent more mileage should they use the 5-percent coco biodiesel blend (B5), a noted petroleum and biodiesel expert said, citing a local study.

Biodiesel consultant Rafael Diaz said B5 usage translates to a minimum 6-percent mileage gain, or between P1.39 and P2.97 per liter savings based on current pump prices.

Citing a study conducted by the University of the Philippines National Center for Transportation Studies (UPNCTS), the Department of Energy (DOE), the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), and the Land Transportation Office (LTO), he said the B5 blend provides motorists with a 6-percent mileage gain during stop-and-go driving cycle and as much as 10 percent on a continuous driving cycle.

“The fuel cost savings attributed to mileage gain with B5 is one of the most significant benefits of B5, along with better combustion, cleaner air that results in wellness of public health and less engine breakdown,” according to Diaz.

Based on local and international studies, B5 blend usage is seen to significantly reduce carbon, hydrocarbon, sulphur oxide, and nitrogen oxide emissions from combustion.

Aside from this the PCA has also noted that the B5 blend will result in an annual savings of P13 billion from the importation of diesel.

Blending coco biodiesel or coconut methyl ester (CME) in local diesel started in 2007 upon the implementation of Republic Act 9367, or the Biofuels Act of 2006. In the first year of the law, diesel was blended with 1 percent CME. It was increased to 2 percent in 2007 and has remained at that level since.

The government aims to implement the 5-percent blend within the year.