Guatemala E10 ethanol-blended gasoline implementation

Guatemala is implementing the distribution of E10 gasoline, a blend composed of 90% gasoline and 10% ethanol. The initiative involves replacing traditional regular gasoline with the new mixture at approximately 2,177 service stations nationwide.

The blending process utilizes automated in-line mixing systems at national ports to ensure precise proportions according to ASTM International technical standards. The Ministry of Energy and Mines stated that the E10 blend can be dispensed through existing pumps, requiring no vehicle modifications. This is supported by the fact that much of the country’s vehicle fleet is imported from the United States, where E10 is already common.

To sustain the mixture, Guatemala expects an annual requirement of approximately 95 million gallons of ethanol, sourced through a combination of imports and domestic production from entities such as Pantaleón, Magdalena, Palo Gordo, Madre Tierra (Catsa), and Destiladora Darsa. The General Directorate of Hydrocarbons is responsible for overseeing the logistics and storage chain.