Ethanol import terminal proposed at Subic Freeport

In case the apparent supply shortage in the Philippines stays unresolved, an alternative plan to establish an ethanol import terminal is being proposed at the Subic Freeport in Zambales. The proposal came out in previous discussions among industry stakeholders as they fleshed out solutions to the lingering dilemma of ensuring domestic ethanol supply to meet demand jump during the prescribed full implementation time frame for E10. There are no specific proposals as to how the project will be carried out and if the undertaking will be government-underpinned or if it will be aligned as a private sector venture. (January 11, 2010)