PTT Philippines Corp. (PTTPC), the local arm of PTT Public Ltd. Co. of Thailand, launched last January 28, 2009 its new ethanol-blended gasoline, Performa 95+.

PTTPC president Siripong Phoungpaka, said they have invested about P6 million to be able to comply with the ethanol blend requirement under the biofuels law.

Under Republic Act 9367 or the Biofuels Act of 2006, oil companies are required to blend five percent ethanol in their gasoline products starting Feb. 6, 2009. By 2010, this blend will be increased to 10 percent.Phoungpaka said the investment is minimal since they have already been blending ethanol in Thailand since 1985.

The PTTPC official, however, said they would be pouring in about P500 million to expand its network this year with plans to put up 16 more retail stations all over the country.

The company presently has 34 stations. Each station costs around P5 million to P25 million to build.

PTTPC started offering Performa 95 at its Park n’ Fly Service Station in Pasay City, officially kicking off the offering of the product in all of its stations nationwide.

Performa 95+ (E10) has a higher oxygen content, promoting improved engine combustion resulting in lower greenhouse gas emission and better vehicle performance. It can be used in all cars with fuel-injected engines and there is generally no need for any expansive engine improvement or modification.

Phoungpaka urged the Philippine government to come up with concrete policies to lure investors to put up more ethanol processing plants in the country.

By Donnabelle L. Gatdula, Philippine Star

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