RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Hydrous ethanol sales from mills in Brazil’s Center-South region increased 22% in the first half of February compared to the same period last month, according to UNICA data released Thursday, a significant rise from January, when sales fell to the lowest level since 2017.
The rebound means ethanol has become more competitive than gasoline at service stations in Brazil’s main consuming regions, according to UNICA’s technical director Antonio de Padua Rodrigues.
Most cars in the country can either run on ethanol alone or with a biofuel-gasoline blend. Drivers typically choose fuel according to price.
With the increase in geopolitical tensions, ethanol should become even more attractive.