Biodiesel group urges caution on proposed biofuels act

THE Philippine Biodiesel Association (TPBA) recommended caution on proposed changes to Republic Act (RA) No. 9367, or the Biofuels Act of 2006, particularly on the suspension of the coco-biodiesel program when blended diesel hits certain price triggers.

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In a statement over the weekend, the group said that while it acknowledged the intent of House Bill (HB) No. 4151 to protect consumers, the proposed measure needs to be evaluated “with a complete understanding of its wider implications.”

RA 9367 requires that all liquid fuels contain locally sourced biofuel components.

HB 4151, otherwise known as the Murang Langis Act, seeks to grant the president the authority to suspend the program if the price of blended diesel is at least 5% higher than that of pure diesel.

TPBA said blended diesel “is not always more expensive” and in fact, at par or cheaper than pure diesel, particularly during global oil volatility.