By Becky Usman

Oil marketers are proposing the use of ethanol as an additive to Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to potentially reduce the price of petrol to as low as N49 per litre, especially in light of the ongoing fuel scarcity in some parts of the country.

These findings were revealed during the BusinessDay/Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria Policy Intervention Series on Alternative Fuel in Lagos, as reported by Saturday PUNCH.

According to the oil marketers, the addition of ethanol to petrol offers a significant opportunity for cost savings for both the Federal Government and consumers. Clement Isong, the Executive Secretary of the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), stated, “We all know that everyone is currently complaining about the high price of petrol; however, blending ethanol with petrol is one of the ways to bring down prices by up to N49 per litre. This practice can also support local farming and agro-processing industries, particularly using abundant resources like cassava.”

Ethanol, a volatile and clear liquid with a distinctive odor and the chemical formula C2H5OH, is commonly found in alcoholic drinks, but it is not suitable for human consumption in its pure form. Most fuels already contain ethanol, often at a 10% concentration. This addition not only provides oxygen to the fuel but also reduces emissions. Furthermore, ethanol raises the octane number in fuel, contributing to the overall health and efficiency of vehicles. This proposal holds promise for addressing the petrol price concerns in the country.