The Malaysian government announced that a mandate for the use of diesel containing 5 percent biofuel will be extended to the whole country in July.
Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Douglas Uggah Emba said last week that the requirement will cover all 3,877 petrol stations in Malaysia. The biofuel used in Malaysia is made from palm oil, which has been found to reduce wear, according to some studies. But biofuels have also been found to accumulate in engine oil sumps where they dilute the lubricant and compromise performance.
Malaysia introduced its program for B5 – diesel containing 5 percent biofuel – in 2011, first requiring it in the central part of the country. In July of last year, the mandate was extended to the southern region. Malaysia expects to introduce the use of B7 by January 2015.
Biofuel requirements vary throughout the Asia-Pacific region but most countries are less stringent than Malaysia. According to Hart Energys Global Biofuels Outlook to 2025, India aims to require B2 by 2017, while Indonesia and the Philippines are scheduled to require B5 by 2015.