10% ethanol blending begins

Published: 15 October 2013

The new mandatory 10 percent blending of ethanol with petrol has started today (Tuesday) with experts assuring the motoring public that no damages will be experienced as the fuel is compatible to all motor vehicles.

A Green Fuel expert Stanley Daniel Law says the coming in of E10 and E85 fuel will not have adverse effects on various vehicles around the country, adding that the latest fuel will be compatible to any type or model of a car assembled after 1990.

He said if the vehicle was built before 1990, a convertor will be installed on the vehicle to facilitate compatibility with the new fuel.

Mr Law said at the moment, the convertor is given for free and in the long run it will be sold for $50 or less.

Agricultural Rural Development Authority (ARDA) board chairperson, Basil Nyabadza commended the government for taking a decisive action on matters that were stalling progress in the ethanol programme.

He said from the 10 percent mandatory blending starting today (Tuesday), blending is expected to increase to 15 percent in November and 20 percent in February next year.

The introduction of the new 10 percent mandatory blending where petrol stations are expected to sell ethanol ten (E10) and ethanol 85 (E85) is in line with government's decision to embark on higher fuel blending.

The mandatory blending of 10 percent ethanol and 90 percent petrol will see the Chisumbanje ethanol plant employing over 5 000 people, while 18 megawatts of power will be generated.

Statistics indicate that fuel consumption throughout the country stands at 1.5 million litres everyday and by using blending the country stands to reduce its importation of fuel, thereby promoting rural development and generating employment.

- zbc