Increase in biodiesel blend to 5% backed

A move to increase coco biodiesel blend to five percent will translate into significant cost savings for motorists, according to a petroleum and biofuel expert.

Rafael Diaz of Asian Institute of Petroleum Studies Inc. said B5 usage has at least six percent mileage gain result, based on mileage tests done by the University of the Philippine National Center for Transportation Studies (UPNCTS). This translates to a net fuel cost savings of P1.39 up to P2.97 per liter based on current diesel pump prices.

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 to wellness of public health and less engine breakdown, said Diaz, who spent 35 years in the petroleum and biofuel industry.

The UPNCTS recently conducted an on-road mileage study in collaboration with the Department of Energy (DOE), the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) which determined the appropriate jeepney condition to be used.

The study tested several public utility jeepneys (PUJ) plying the most traffic prone routes in Metro Manila. Five days for jeepneys pumped with B2, the current blend of biodiesel in use today and a 20-day test for vehicles pumped with B5. Distance ranged from one to 20 kilometers.

Diaz said the study showed greater mileage has been attained with B5 coco biodiesel with recorded mileage gain ranging from six percent on “stop and go” city driving cycle, and 10 percent to a liter of B5 blended diesel on “continuous driving cycle.”