Published: 04 September 2013

THE use of locally produced cheaper biofuels especially E-85 is increasing rapidly with Harare alone now having over 2 000 petrol vehicles that are now flex fuel compliant.

E-85 is the highest blend ratio of ethanol and unleaded available on the market. It comprises of 85 percent locally produced ethanol and 15 percent foreign sourced unleaded.

According to ethanol producers Green Fuel, a significant number of the 2 000 vehicles are public service vehicles that are deriving positive results from a cost benefit analysis.

Local transport operator Mr Tererai Mapfoche of Pfochez Logistics said he had converted 11 of his commuter omnibuses to use E85 in June this year.

"The cars were fitted with the conversion kits two months ago and so far they have been performing better than before," he said.

He said although the fuel consumption on his vehicles had increased slightly, there was a significant increase in profits as the fuel was cheaper than unleaded petrol.

Unleaded petrol costs an average of US$1,50 per litre while E85 costs about US$1,10 per litre.
- herald