The Philippines on Oct. 1 increased its coco-methyl ester (CME) biodiesel mandate from B2 to B3, according to a report filed with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service’s Global Agricultural Information Network. The mandate is scheduled to increase to 4% in October 2025 and 5% in October 2026.
The move to a B3 mandate is the first time the Philippines has raised its biodiesel blend since 2007. The new mandate, implemented on Oct. 1, 2024, requires a 3% blend of CME for all diesel fuel sold nationwide. The report explains that when blended with diesel, CME, a fatty acid ester produced from coconut oil, turns into coco-biodiesel.
The move to a B3 blend is expected to create additional demand for coconut farmers, biodiesel producers and other stakeholders in the coconut industry. The report estimates that 900 million additional coconuts will be needed to produce the 100-120 million liters (26.42-31.7 million gallons) of additional CME needed to satisfy a 1% increase CME blend.