Gov't Considering Increasing Ethanol Blend In Petrol

(The Gleaner) Science, Energy and Technology Minister Dr Andrew Wheatley has indicated that the Government is contemplating an increase in the percentage of ethanol used in petrol, in order to reduce emissions in the environment.

Currently, service stations across the island offer E10 fuel, which is a blend of 10 per cent ethanol from sugar cane in both 90 and 87 octane gas.

Wheatley said that many other countries are offering a 15 per cent ethanol blend.

He noted that increasing the percentage of ethanol content in the local fuel blend “will lead to a reduction in the carbon footprint and (will) not interfere with the overall performance of the motor vehicle”.

President of the Jamaica Gasolene Retailers’ Association (JGRA), Phillip Chong, told JIS News that he would welcome the move by the Government.

“There is absolutely nothing wrong with it. It would be an attempt to keep the rising (fuel prices) down. As the price of fuel increases, we have to get a bit more innovative in finding ways to reduce cost. Ethanol was originally introduced on that premise and leaves a better footprint where the ecology is concerned,” he said.

Meanwhile, Wheatley and French Ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency Jean-Michel Despax, who was also at the launch, lauded Total for introducing Excellium to Jamaica. READ MORE