Petrobras, Nippon Oil to sell ethanol blends in Tokyo

Petroleo Brasileiro SA (Petrobras) announced plans to sell gasoline blended with bioethanol in the Tokyo metropolitan area in mid-2009. Meanwhile, Nippon Oil Corp. also revealed plans to offer biofuel at some 1,000 affiliated gas stations in the Tokyo metropolitan area starting June. In fiscal 2010, Nippon Oil and other domestic wholesalers are expected to sell fuel-containing 360,000 kiloliters of bioethanol. Nippon Oil said it plans to work with Toyota Motor Corp. and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. to produce low-cost bioethanol from non-edible plants. (April 22/ May 7, 2009)