Kuala lumpur: Increasing the biodiesel blend from B10 to B12 or B15 in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah is expected to reduce diesel consumption by 334,139 tonnes a year, equivalent to about 386.73 million litres per annum.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities stated that a cost-benefit analysis conducted by the ministry revealed that the reduction would not only lessen reliance on fossil fuels but also extend the country's diesel supply by up to 20 days. The ministry highlighted that this demonstrates the National Biodiesel Programme's capability in strengthening the nation's energy security and enhancing Malaysia's resilience against supply disruptions and volatility in the global energy market.

The ministry provided this information in response to a question from Senator Norhasmimi Abdul Ghani regarding the effectiveness of the country's biodiesel programme in reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and lowering diesel costs for domestic users. Since the introduction of the National Biofuel Policy on March 21, 2006, the National Biodiesel Programme has become a strategic instrument for the government to bolster national energy security while supporting the palm oil industry's development and stability.

The ministry emphasized the programme's effectiveness in reducing diesel consumption through the partial replacement of diesel with palm-based biodiesel, or Palm Methyl Ester (PME). As the world faced geopolitical uncertainty and a global energy crisis, Malaysia took proactive steps by increasing the biodiesel blend rate for the nationwide transport sector. This initiative aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuel, strengthen national energy security, and extend the availability of existing diesel supplies.