Brazil debates increasing ethanol content in gasoline to 35%

Discussions are underway in Brazil regarding a potential increase in the anhydrous ethanol content of gasoline to 35% (E35). The government aims to mitigate the impact of Middle East conflicts on fuel prices, despite Brazil importing only approximately 15% of its gasoline consumption.

The automotive industry, represented by Anfavea, has raised concerns regarding the lack of detailed analysis on how this mixture will affect the existing vehicle fleet. Potential technical issues include difficulties with cold starts, the drying out of gaskets and hoses, and the formation of deposits in fuel injectors. While flex-fuel vehicles can adapt via electronic control units, older models, low-displacement motorcycles, and many imported vehicles—which often operate on E10—may face significant mechanical risks.

Economically, because ethanol provides roughly 30% less energy per liter than pure gasoline, the cost-benefit ratio for drivers may change. Additionally, there are concerns regarding fuel fraud at gas stations, as current inspection methods like burette tests and density meter tests may struggle to accurately identify deviations in ethanol content.