Brazil will temporarily raise the mandatory ethanol blend in regular gasoline to 32% from 30% beginning Aug. 1 for 180 days, the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels, or ANP, said Friday.
The measure applies nationwide to regular gasoline C and premium regular gasoline C. Authorities may extend the temporary rule once for another 180-day period, the agency said.
Premium gasoline will continue to contain 25% anhydrous ethanol. ANP added the temporary change does not affect other gasoline specifications, with the Research Octane Number remaining at 94.
The agency said the transition period allows producers, distributors and retailers to clear existing inventories manufactured under the previous blending requirements before fully adopting the new specification.
Fuel distributors in the South, Southeast, Midwest and Northeast will have 15 days before enforcement begins, while distributors in the North will receive 30 days because of longer transport times.
Retail fuel stations will have 30 days to comply in the South, Southeast, Midwest and Northeast. The compliance period extends to 60 days in the North to reflect regional logistical challenges.
ANP said inspectors will delay fines and sales restrictions until those transition periods expire.