Malaysia to launch B15 biodiesel programme
Malaysia first launched its national biodiesel programme in 2011 with a B5 mandate for the transport sector.
Malaysia will begin implementing its B15 biodiesel programme on June 1, marking the latest step in the country's long-running effort to expand the use of palm oil-based fuels across its transport sector.
Under the programme, diesel fuel will contain a 15% palm oil-based biodiesel blend. The government said the rollout was carefully planned in light of domestic palm oil supplies and existing fuel infrastructure, and described the B15 blend as the most practical option following discussions with industry stakeholders.
Plantation and Commodities Minister Noraini Ahmad said Malaysia produces around 20 million tonnes of palm oil annually, of which nearly 16 million tonnes are exported. The B15 programme will require only around 0.8 million tonnes of palm oil feedstock, she said, meaning export volumes will not be affected.
Malaysia first launched its national biodiesel programme in 2011 with a B5 mandate for the transport sector, later expanding to B7, B10 and B20. B20 programmes are already in operation in Sarawak, Labuan and Langkawi. To support further expansion of B20, the government has allocated 42 million ringgit for infrastructure improvements and is seeking an additional 56 million ringgit to modernise fuel distribution terminals, particularly in the Klang Valley.
Officials said the broader use of biofuels forms part of Malaysia's long-term energy transition strategy, with B30 targeted for land transport by 2030.
