JAKARTA, March 9 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia will accelerate the mandatory blending of bioethanol into fuel as global oil prices surge, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said here Monday.
The move will require gasoline to contain 20 percent ethanol (E20) to reduce reliance on imports and lower fuel costs, Lahadalia said.
He added that the government will also expedite the implementation of a 50 percent biodiesel mandate (B50), a fuel blend of diesel and palm oil-based biofuel. Indonesia currently enforces a 40 percent biodiesel mandate, known as B40.
"Given the current situation, the government is seeking the best alternatives to safeguard the national energy supply," Lahadalia said, adding that the measures would also help promote cleaner fuels. ■