Bolivia to raise ethanol blend in petrol to 18% by April 2027 to cut imports – EnviroNews

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Bolivia’s Minister of Hydrocarbons and Energy, Marcelo Blanco, on Thursday, October 22, 2026, said the country would increase the proportion of ethanol in petrol from 12 to 18 per cent.

Blanco said this would take effect from Nov.1, adding that it would stand at 15 per cent, and increase to 18 per cent by April 2027.

To this end, the government has reached an agreement with local sugarcane producers on ethanol supplies, according to Visión 360, a partner of TV BRICS.

Ethanol is an alcohol that can be produced from sugarcane. It is added to petrol to partially replace petroleum-based fuel.

Adding ethanol increases the octane rating of petrol and improves its performance.

“Every litre of ethanol produced in the country means we can avoid importing one litre of petrol,” noted Klaus Frerking, president of the Eastern Agricultural Chamber (CAO) of Bolivia.

The agreement will help support local farmers and develop ethanol production in the country.

As a result, Bolivia will be able to reduce petrol imports and channel additional funds into the development of domestic production, the minister said.