Philippines: Biofuels Annual
Local ethanol production is expected to increase through 2017 due to a modest buildup in capacity. Imports are expected to decline from 311 million liters (MLi) in 2015 to 281 MLi in 2016, declining again to 278 MLi in 2017. Meeting the current 10 percent ethanol blend using local ethanol remains problematic. For biodiesel, while there have been no compliance issues with the present two percent blend mandate, increasing biodiesel prices have forced the postponement of implementing a five percent blend in 2015. In general terms, increasing prices of locally produced biofuels, coupled with declining global oil prices is likely forcing the Philippine government to rethink its current energy policy, including those for renewable energy and biofuels.
