On March 23, a new measure to increase the percentage of the blend of biodiesel with diesel fuel was signed into law by Brazlian President Dilma Rouseff. The percentage increase is mandatory for Brazil, the world’s second largest market for biodiesel. By 2017, the blend of biodiesel with diesel fuel will increase to 8% from the current 7% standard; by 2018, the blend will increase to 9%; by 2019, the blend will increase to 10% and beyond 2019, the blend will increase to 15%, pending National Energy Policy Council approval. The new law is expected to positively affect many sectors in the country, including agriculture, fuel supply and environmental sustainability. According to the president of the Association of Biodiesel Producers of Brazil, Brazil has the ability to produce 1.92 billion gallons of biodiesel, with 50 commercial biodiesel manufacturing facilities currently established. Estimates from the Ministry of Mines and Energy indicate that Brazil’s biodiesel output reached over 1 billion gallons in 2015, up 11.3% from the 898.2 million gallons produced in 2014.

Source: Biodiesel Magazine