Zimbabwe has begun formal research and trials on blending diesel with ethanol to ease fuel costs for consumers, reduce reliance on imports, and protect the economy from global oil price shocks.
The trials are being run by Green Fuel Zimbabwe. They are meant to establish suitable blending ratios, test compatibility with local vehicle engines, and assess the long-term viability of ethanol-diesel fuel systems under Zimbabwean conditions.
Last month, the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) increased the petrol-ethanol blending ratio from E5 to E20.
Speaking to The Sunday Mail, Energy and Power Development Minister July Moyo said diesel blending trials were underway, but the Government had not yet set a timeline for implementation.
“We have started experiments, and Green Fuel is conducting these,” said Minister Moyo.
“At the moment, there are no timelines on when this will begin. However, as I have said, trials have begun, and the results will then determine the way forward.
“The new sugarcane plantations in Chisumbanje, Mwenezi and Chiredzi will also help support the fuel blending projects.
“This is actually a good initiative, as it helps lower the price of the commodity.
“When we shifted to the E20 from E5 in petrol, the price of the commodity decreased by US$0.15, basically reducing the price of the commodity.”
Leave a Reply Cancel reply