Nigerian oil marketers have revealed that blending ethanol with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) can significantly lower the price of petrol across the country to N49 per litre. This comes at a time when Nigeria is experiencing fuel scarcity in various parts of the country.
The findings were presented on the sidelines of the BusinessDay/Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria Policy Intervention Series on Alternative Fuel in Lagos.
Oil marketers assert that ethanol blending with petrol offers substantial cost savings for both the Federal Government and consumers. The Executive Secretary of the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), Clement Isong, emphasized the potential of ethanol blending to bring down petrol prices. He stated, “This practice can also support local farming and agro-processing industries, particularly using abundant resources like cassava.”
Ethanol is a clear, volatile, and inflammable liquid with the chemical formula C2H5OH. While ethanol is a primary component in alcoholic beverages, pure ethanol is not suitable for human consumption. Most fuels contain a common 10 percent ethanol blend, which serves to supply oxygen to the fuel and reduce emissions. Additionally, ethanol increases the octane number in fuel, contributing to the overall health of vehicles.
The integration of ethanol into petrol not only has the potential to reduce fuel prices but also benefits local agriculture and processing industries. It is seen as a promising avenue for addressing the ongoing fuel scarcity and promoting fuel efficiency and sustainability in Nigeria.
