The Energy Regulatory Commission of Mexico (CRE) published their recently-passed fuel regulation (NOM-016-CRE-2016) in the Mexican federal register on Monday, allowing for the blending and sale of up to 5.8% ethanol in the nation’s fuel supply outside of the three major metropolitan areas of Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey.

The fuel specification will become effective 60 days after publication, marking the first time in history that Mexico has established a policy on ethanol. Organizations in the United States working to promote the export of U.S.-produced ethanol applauded this development by its close trading partner.

The Energy Regulatory Commission of Mexico (CRE) published their recently-passed fuel regulation (NOM-016-CRE-2016) in the Mexican federal register on Monday, allowing for the blending and sale of up to 5.8% ethanol in the nation’s fuel supply outside of the three major metropolitan areas of Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey. (Photo: photosoup/Thinkstock)

"By approving new fuel standards that allow for ethanol blending at a 5.8% rate throughout much of the country, the Mexican Energy Regulatory Commission has taken an important step forward in improving the quality of motor fuel provided to its citizens," said Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy.

"These standards aren’t applied universally throughout the entire country, however, so there is certainly more progress to be made,” Skor said. “Our collective goal should be greater harmonization across all of North America on fuel regulations that embrace cleaner burning biofuels like ethanol.”

“We are pleased to see Mexico begin to embrace the inclusion of fuel ethanol in their gasoline,” said Tom Sleight, president and CEO of the U.S. Grains Council. “The U.S. Grains Council has worked in Mexico for many years and has seen enormous growth in that market’s demand for U.S. products of all types in the past two decades.”

"We look forward to continuing to work with our colleagues in the U.S. ethanol industry to provide Mexican regulators, fuel industry officials and the public with information that highlights the proven benefits ethanol can provide for air quality and rural economic development in their country,” Sleight added.

"The Mexican Energy Regulatory Commission should be commended for recognizing the positive role ethanol can play in advancing that country’s energy, economic and environmental policies,” said Bob Dinneen, president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). Ethanol blended gasolines can reduce all criteria pollutants – carbon monoxide, ozone, particulates and toxics. As a result, we believe the Commission has erred in excluding ethanol use from the three most populous cities.”

Source: US Grains Council