Fuel market expert Serhiy Kuyun explained the situation calmly, but with a hint of concern.
“I have no strength left… People have bombarded me with questions about what will happen on May 1, when the requirement for mandatory sale of gasoline with 5% biocomponent (the so-called E5), or more precisely, with bioethanol, i.e., dehydrated alcohol, comes into effect,” wrote Serhiy Kuyun on Facebook. So, briefly about the most common questions:
Why is this being introduced?
There are several reasons. First of all, it is a step towards ecology: bioethanol reduces the amount of harmful emissions into the atmosphere. Unlike conventional fuel, it belongs to renewable energy sources. In addition, it is a matter of energy security — when access to oil is limited both in Ukraine and in Europe, bioethanol allows to slightly reduce dependence on imports.
There is also a political component: as a candidate for EU membership, Ukraine must implement European standards. And also — a purely economic motivation: due to the complex logistics of agricultural exports, we have to look for other ways, so processing corn into bio-alcohol domestically looks quite attractive.
But there is one “but”…
Poland needed 10 years to transition to biofuels. We were given… a year. And this is during wartime.
Due to the threat of shelling of oil depots, where the mixing of base gasoline with alcohol should take place, most traders will import ready-made E5 from Europe. As a result, we support not the domestic alcohol producer, but the Romanian or German one.
What about prices?
Bio-gasoline costs more: in Europe, E5 is not produced as a standard; they use E10. So for an individual order, you will have to pay an extra $15–25 per ton (50–80 kopecks/l). However, against the backdrop of cheaper oil, a general drop in fuel prices is quite possible — up to -3 UAH/l. In that case, the transition to E5 will be almost imperceptible.
And won’t the engine “die”?
No. Bioethanol is not poison. In Europe, it has been in use for a long time, and the same cars drive there. It’s just that the fuel is now a little “healthier” — mayonnaise was replaced with sour cream. But…
Bioethanol is drawn to water
The problem is that ethanol is hygroscopic — it “absorbs” moisture. If there is even a little bottom water in the tanker truck or in the reservoir, the mixture can separate and lose its qualities. And then — repairs, curses, and complaints.
The transition to bio-gasolines is not just mixing two components. It is a different technological discipline, different standards of cleanliness, control, and staff training. Large networks (OKKO, Amic, Ukrnafta) have already started cleaning their reservoirs. But what is happening at the “no-names” is an open question.
The first two months will be hot
May and June are a test of strength. The expert expects surprises and problems at gas stations that have not prepared for the new rules.
Advice
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Don’t chase the lowest prices.
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Choose trusted networks.
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Savings can turn into repairs.
The first deliveries of E5 are already being brought from Romania and Germany. How bio-gasoline will take root in Ukrainian realities — we will find out very soon.
