THE Independent Philippine Petroleum Companies Association (IPPCA) opposed the plan of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) to increase the biofuel component in diesel to B5 from B2.
“With Euro 4, there is no compelling reason to add or increase the biodiesel blend, given that the current diesel standard is already very clean,” IPPCA said in a statement sent to BusinessWorld.
“At the same time, increasing the blend will have an impact on the price of diesel to go up. Thus, why should motorist made to subsidize another industry?,” according to IPPCA.
Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol earlier said the PCA board of governors has passed a resolution addressed to President Rodrigo R. Duterte to direct the National Biofuels Board (NBB) to raise the biofuel requirement from B2 to B5 to help the copra industry.
Mr. Piñol said fuel prices will rise by about P0.30 once the shift to B5 from B2 is implemented, while noting this would mean cleaner air and more mileage for vehicles.
Sherwin T. Gatchalian, chair of the Senate committees on energy and economic affairs, also expressed concerns over the proposed measure, saying this will put consumers at a disadvantage given that fuel prices are already rising even without such a shift.
“Based on our in-house computations, diesel pump prices will go up by P2.48/liter,” Mr. Gatchalian said when sought for comment regarding the PCA’s resolution.
“At this present situation of elevated petroleum prices due to external factors, it is not advisable to increase the biodesiel blend to B5 at this time. Magiging triple whammy yan para sa consumers natin: 1. Tax reform 2. Elevated global prices 3. Increase to B5 pa,” Mr. Gatchalian added. — R.J.N. Ignacio

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