The Law, which took effect on February 2009, mandates the use of ethanol by oil companies. At least 5% of the annual total volume of gasoline sold must be comprised of ethanol, subject to the requirement that all bioethanol-blended gasoline shall contain a minimum of 5% bioethanol by volume.

Within four years of the effectivity of the law, the National Biofuels Board determined the feasibility and recommended to DOE to mandate a minimum of 10% blend of bioethanol by volume into all gasoline fuel sold.

This new mandate took effect on April 1, 2013.

Ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol, or ETOH, is a clear, colorless liquid. In dilute aqueous solution, it has a somewhat sweet flavor, but in more concentrated solutions it has a burning taste. It is the same type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages.

It is produced through fermentation from agricultural crops that contain sugar (such as wheat and sugarcane) or materials that can be converted into sugar, such as starch or cellulose.

Sugarcane and sugar beets produce most of the world’s ethanol. In the United States, corn is the primary feedstock, while in Canada, corn and wheat are used.

Since ethanol is produced from plants that harness the power of the sun, ethanol is also considered as a renewable, environment-friendly fuel that is inherently cleaner than gasoline.

Yes, ethanol can be used as an automotive fuel by itself or can be mixed with reformulated gasoline as set out in the Biofuels Act of 2006.

This law requires an oxygenate like ethanol to be added to gasoline to
help it burn more completely. Because it is easy to manufacture and process, it is steadily becoming a promising alternative to gasoline throughout much of the world.

Ethanol provides several advantages:

• It has a high natural ‘octane’ rating that prevents premature detonation under load
• It burns more cleanly because it contains oxygen, hence less carbon monoxide emissions
• It burns slightly cooler, extending engine life
• It has a higher ‘volumetric efficiency’ – contributing to increased power

Yes, according to the DOE. The formulation of gasoline has changed dramatically over the past few years without affecting the performance of old cars. As the engine gets older, the octane requirements of the engine increase due to carbon formation in the pistons and combustion chambers.

The bioethanol in E10 raises the octane rating in gasoline and it does so using a natural, renewable additive that works well in older engines.

To signify the addition of 10% ethanol in gasoline fuel, the DOE is mandating a new generic term and higher RON, or octane rating, for fuel products.

Consequently, Phoenix is updating its products and their octane rating beyond the DOE minimum requirement.

There is no longer a specific product called ‘Unleaded’ because all the gasoline fuels are technically unleaded – from Regular to Premium to Premium Plus.

No. In fact, motorists will get more value for their money. Prices will remain as is, subject to the global oil market. Phoenix is going beyond the required DOE octane rating, giving customers a better deal for their peso. For instance, for the same price as Premium 95 or 97 RON, Phoenix customers will get the Premium 98 RON.