U.S. ethanol industry leaders recently visited Southeast Asia to bolster support for expanding fuel ethanol policies in Indonesia and Vietnam. The delegation, comprising executives from the U.S. Grains Council (USGC), Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), met with government officials and private sector leaders to discuss the implementation of ethanol blending mandates.
Indonesia aims to introduce a 5% ethanol blend (E5) in gasoline by 2025, progressing to a 10% blend (E10) by 2030. Vietnam is exploring options to expand its current E5 mandate for RON92 grade gasoline. These initiatives could significantly impact the region's fuel market, with Indonesia and Vietnam consuming approximately 10 billion and 3 billion gallons of gasoline annually, respectively.
USGC President and CEO Ryan LeGrand emphasized the potential of ethanol in reducing supply chain costs and greenhouse gas emissions. The delegation met with Pertamina, Indonesia's state-run oil and gas company, to discuss ongoing bioethanol trials and toured the country's largest fuel terminal where ethanol blending is currently taking place.
In Vietnam, the group held meetings with the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Finance to discuss cooperation activities supporting the country's ethanol expansion efforts. The delegation also engaged with private sector representatives to explore opportunities for collaboration between U.S. producers and the Vietnamese industry.
LeGrand stated that the U.S. ethanol industry is prepared to meet increased demand in Southeast Asia with affordable, sustainable biofuels. The visit underscores the industry's commitment to supporting the region's economic, health, and climate goals through expanded ethanol use.
