KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 5 — The implementation of the B15 biodiesel blend has saved an average of 23.62 million litres of petroleum-based diesel per month in the June-August period.
Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Noraini Ahmad said the implementation has helped Malaysia reduce its dependence on petroleum-based fuels, strengthen national energy security, and extend the diesel supply's lifespan.
“The use of locally produced biodiesel also reduces the country’s exposure to fluctuations in global petroleum diesel prices, particularly during times of geopolitical tensions.
“This could potentially help the government manage diesel subsidy expenditure more effectively,” she said during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Noraini was responding to Port Dickson MP Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun's query on the extent to which implementing B15 biodiesel could reduce Malaysia’s dependence on petroleum diesel, which is subject to price volatility from geopolitical conflicts.
On increasing the biodiesel blending rate, she said the government is moving toward a higher blending rate, but implementation must be gradual and based on readiness, including the need to upgrade logistics.
The approach takes into account commodity prices, subsidy and environmental sustainability implications, as well as the benefits of reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
