Ecuador Prepares for B5 Mandate

Ecuador will require blending 5 percent biodiesel into its transportation diesel fuel (B5 mandate) in compliance with the Executive Order 1303 that takes effect in May this year. This mandate is expected to shift to higher blends of up to 10 percent over time.

According to industry sources, current production level is expected to meet the demand, estimated to be around 5.25 million metric tons per month, as soon as the B5 mandate is implemented. Ecuador has been producing biodiesel predominantly from palm oil and has exported this biofuel to other countries like USA, Peru and Italy. Currently the country on the average produces 500,000 tons of palm oil, half of which is for export. Average palm biodiesel output is about 4 tons per hectare of palm plantation. With the expanding market opportunities for biodiesel, Ecuadorian producers are seeking to standardize the market in terms of quality.