Stakeholders in the local biofuels industry are urging the government to maximize the use of locally produced biofuels to help protect the country from possible fuel supply disruptions caused by the continuing conflict in the Middle East.
In a statement, the Philippine Biodiesel Association (TPBA) said the Biofuels Act of 2006 (Republic Act 9367) remains the country’s strongest safeguard against heavy reliance on imported fuel as geopolitical tensions threaten global oil supplies.
The group called on lawmakers to strengthen the law instead of suspending or weakening its policies while the 20th Congress reviews proposed amendments to the measure.
Currently, diesel sold in the country contains a 3 percent biodiesel blend (B3). TPBA said the local industry is capable of supplying up to a 7 percent blend (B7) if mandated, noting that the Philippines has 14 biodiesel plants that produce coconut methyl ester (CME) using 100 percent locally sourced coconut oil.
CME is considered a cleaner and more environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuel-based diesel. According to TPBA, expanding biodiesel use would also create a stable local market for coconut products and support millions of Filipino coconut farmers.
Meanwhile, the National Sectoral Committee (NSC) on Coconut is pushing for the immediate shift to a 5 percent coco-biodiesel blend (B5) from the current B3 level.
The group said the transition could improve engine performance, increase fuel mileage, and help reduce the country’s long-term dependence on imported fuel.
Plans to increase the blend were earlier suspended after global coconut oil prices rose sharply. Under Department of Energy Advisory No. 2025-07-01, the biodiesel blend remains at B3 to avoid possible increases in pump prices.
The NSC on Coconut plans to submit a manifesto supporting the B5 shift to Senator Francis Pangilinan, chair of the Senate committee on agriculture, food and agrarian reform.
The group is also proposing that coconut be officially designated as a national industrial crop and called for increased research funding for coconut-based innovations.
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority show the country produced 14.51 million metric tons of husked coconut in 2025, slightly higher than the 14.5 million metric tons recorded in 2024.
