Todays Latest Updates: 15 April 2026

Biofuels: Brazil. Brazil is considering increasing the ethanol blending rate in petrol from 30 per cent to 32 per cent in the first half of the year, as rising global oil prices push the government to expand the use of domestic biofuels. The proposed move is expected to lift demand for ethanol and divert more sugarcane towards fuel production. Industry estimates indicate that the share of cane used for ethanol could rise to around 54 per cent, compared to 51 per cent in the previous season. Link 15/04/2026.

Biofuels: Malaysia. Malaysia is exploring a shift towards fully palm oil-based biodiesel, with Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) piloting B100 fuel as a possible lower-cost alternative to conventional diesel. Industry officials said the proposed B100 fuel, made entirely from palm oil, could be priced below RM5 per litre at the factory level, significantly cheaper than current diesel prices, which are close to RM7 per litre. Link 15/04/2026.

Hydrogen: Canada. HY2GEN has contracted Plug Power to supply a 275 MW PEM (proton exchange membrane) electrolyser system for Project COURANT’s Front-End Engineering Design stage. Based in Québec, Canada, Project COURANT is designed to produce 530,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate per year, using electricity delivered via the Hydro-Québec grid. The PEM electrolyser is designed to produce low-carbon ammonia, which is then converted into renewable ammonium nitrate for the mining industry's explosives needs. Link 15/04/2026.

Marine fuels: Brazil. Vale and Shandong Shipping Corporation have concluded an agreement for new ethanol-powered Guaibamax vessels, which are scheduled for delivery starting in 2029. The agreement marks an unprecedented milestone for global iron ore transport: this is the first time in the maritime industry that ethanol will be used as the primary fuel on an ocean-going vessel. Link 15/04/2026.