Jakarta: Indonesia is accelerating measures to blend bioethanol in response to soaring global oil prices. Indonesia's Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, revealed yesterday that Indonesia will accelerate the implementation of mandatory bioethanol blending in fuel, requiring gasoline to contain 20% ethanol (E20) in order to reduce reliance on imports and lower fuel costs.

According to Thai News Agency, Lahadalia said the Indonesian government will push for mandatory 50% biodiesel blending, or B50, which is a fuel mixed with biofuel from palm oil. Currently, Indonesia mandates a 40% biodiesel blend, or B40.

Lahadalia pointed out that the current global oil price surge has prompted the Indonesian government to seek the most suitable options to maintain the country's energy supply. At the same time, these measures will also promote the use of cleaner fuels.