Brazil authorizes tests to increase ethanol blend in gasoline to 35%

The Brazilian government has authorized technical tests to increase the anhydrous ethanol blend in gasoline from 32% to 35% (E35). Conducted by the Ministry of Mines and Energy, these trials aim to evaluate the impact on vehicle durability, engine efficiency, fuel consumption, and pollutant emissions before any permanent change is implemented.

Automotive experts have raised concerns regarding the E35 mixture, particularly for older vehicles not designed for high ethanol content. Potential issues include increased fuel consumption, reduced autonomy, and mechanical damage to components such as carburetors, fuel pumps, and fuel lines due to the corrosive nature of ethanol. Specifically, engines with lower compression ratios may experience power loss and difficulty during cold starts.

In the broader fuel market, recent data from the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) shows that the average price of hydrated ethanol rose by 0.99% to R$ 4.08 per liter during the week of September 13-19. Prices varied significantly by region, with the highest average in Roraima and the lowest in São Paulo. In Mato Grosso, fuel prices have faced upward pressure due to international oil costs, ethanol production shifts, and supply bottlenecks.