Brazil boosts biodiesel blend to 4% as of Wednesday

All diesel sold in Brazil as of Wednesday is now required by law to contain 4% of biodiesel, a move that is expected to produce savings of $900 million because of reduced imports of diesel from abroad, Brazil’s energy regulator ANP said. The new mixture will also reduce CO2 emissions by 3%, according to a study carried out by the regulator. Brazil produced 1.16 billion liters of biodiesel in 2008. Consumption of the fuel in the first half of this year is estimated at 615 billion liters, mainly sold through the B3 blend of diesel, which contains 3% biodiesel. With the switch to the B4 blend containing 4% biodiesel, consumption is projected to rise to 925 billion liters in the second half of the year, according to ANP. (July 1, 2009)