GREEN FUEL PUSH: Zimbabwe Trials Diesel-Ethanol Blending to Slash Prices

HARARE — Zimbabwe has officially launched formal research and trials into blending diesel with ethanol, a strategic move by the Government to cushion consumers from volatile global fuel prices and reduce a heavy reliance on petroleum imports. The initiative, conducted by Green Fuel Zimbabwe, marks a potential turning point in the nation's energy security strategy.

The trials are currently focused on assessing suitable blending ratios and the long-term compatibility of ethanol-diesel fuel with local vehicle engines under Zimbabwean conditions. While Zimbabwe has successfully implemented mandatory ethanol blending for petrol, recently increased from E5 to E20 by the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA), diesel blending remains a complex technical challenge globally.

Energy and Power Development Minister July Moyo confirmed the ongoing experiments but noted that no definitive rollout timeline has been set.

"We have started experiments... the results will determine the way forward," Minister Moyo stated, highlighting that the move was accelerated by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East driving up global costs.

The primary driver for this shift is cost reduction. According to Minister Moyo, when petrol blending was increased to E20, the price of the commodity dropped by approximately US$0.15 per litre. Recent ZERA data supports this, showing blended petrol (E20) falling to US$2.08 from US$2.23, while diesel remained higher at US$2.09.

To support this ambitious transition, the Government is expanding domestic ethanol production through new sugarcane plantations in:

• Mwenezi

• Chisumbanje

• Chiredzi

While motorists have welcomed the potential for price stability, some economists remain skeptical that blending alone is a "silver bullet". Gift Mugano, executive director of Africa Economic Development Strategies, pointed out that 80% of fuel costs are derived from imports and shipments. He argues for broader reforms, including improved procurement systems and increased competition among suppliers.

Globally, large-scale ethanol-diesel blending is rare. While Brazil leads in petrol biofuels, only a few nations like Sweden use ethanol-based diesel, typically limited to specialized heavy-duty fleets due to engine compatibility issues. As Zimbabwe advances its trials, the success of the initiative will hinge on technical feasibility and the readiness of the country's fuel infrastructure to handle the new blend.

Zimbabwe diesel ethanol blending trials