The Energy Bureau under the Ministry of Economic Affairs announced on Wednesday that starting from mid of July, all fuel for automobiles will have to contain at least one percent bio-diesel in order to help reduce carbon emissions and cut down on the usage of fossil fuels.

This move of using bio-diesels which is made primarily from recycled cooking oil, is expected to bring major benefits to the country by saving an estimated total of 38.5 million litres of fuel and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 126 thousand tons annually.

Since 2004, more than 940 trucks collecting garbage in 17 cities and counties across Taiwan have been using diesel that contains between 10 and 100 percent bio-diesel. Starting January 2007, 428 buses in Kaohsiung City and 79 buses in Chiayi County have also been using fuel that contains bio-diesel, according to the Energy Bureau.

“From the 15th July, fuel for vehicles sold at all gas stations in Taiwan will contain one percent bio-diesel”, said Yeh Huey-ching, Director-General of the Energy Bureau. He also added that the relevant modifications at gas stations will be completed in three months.

“Gas companies will absorb the higher costs, and the price of fuel will not change for consumers,” said Yeh, indicating that with the change to one percent bio-diesel, the cost of the new fuel formula would increase by NT$0.1 per liter.

Source: Taiwan News Online