Ethanol consumption in the Philippines is forecast to rise by 14.5% in 2019 to 665 million litres, according to a market report by the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of the US.

Production of the biofuel locally is expected to grow by 8% this year to 320 million litres due to increased capacity utilisation and high prices. According to FAS, the Philippines will also see a 23% jump in ethanol imports this year to 345 million litres.

In 2018 the US accounted for 100% of the 284.6 million litres imported in the country, but this year it has competition from countries like South Korea.

The number of local ethanol plants in operation remains unchanged from 2018, at 12, with a combined capacity of 380 million litres. There are two plants under construction, whose completion in 2020 will add 68 million litres to the total capacity.

Ethanol blending in petrol peaked in 2014 at 10% and contracted to 8%-9% in the following years. In 2019 it is seen to reach 10% again.

 

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