DOE intensifies monitoring of 3% coco biodiesel blend compliance

MANILA – The Department of Energy (DOE) said Friday that more intensified monitoring will be implemented to ensure compliance with the 3 percent coconut methyl ester (CME) blend in all diesel fuel nationwide.

"Oil companies have been given ample time to make this adjustment and the OIMB (Oil Industry Management Bureau) will now conduct inspections at bulk depots to enforce compliance," DOE Undersecretary Alessandro Sales said in a statement.

He cited the gradual expansion of gasoline station inspections following its implementation in October.

In particular, the DOE-OIMB will conduct the inspections to ensure a seamless transition to higher biodiesel blend.

"Timely action at the depot level is crucial to maintaining an up-to-date and efficient fuel distribution chain," Sales said.

Violators may face fines of up to P200,000 for non-compliance which is considered adulteration; while repeat offenders may be charged with P300,000 and the possibility of accreditation or registration revocation.

The DOE then underscored the need to implement the three-phased increase of biofuel blends which pose advantages to the environment, green jobs creation, coconut industry, fuel efficiency and savings.

The 3-percent hike in CME blend serves as the first phase; to be followed by an increase to 4 percent to 5 percent in October 2025 and 2026, respectively.

In terms of environmental impact, the 3-percent CME blend is expected to displace 300 million liters of pure diesel annually which can be translated to a 1.11 percent drop in carbon emissions or equivalent to 298.2 kilotons of carbon dioxide, according to the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Carbon Emission Calculator.

A 5-percent CME blend, meanwhile, exhibited around 10 percent mileage hike in an extensive on-road testing which can be translated into a kilometer per liter, bringing about P5 savings per liter based on the Sept. 24 to 30 average fuel price. (PNA)