The national government has authorized refining companies to increase the proportion of bioethanol in gasoline to a maximum of 15%, thereby mitigating the impact of rising oil prices. To allow for this increase, the maximum permitted oxygen limit in liquid fuels was adjusted to 5.6%. According to official technical reports, this change improves combustion efficiency and reduces carbon monoxide emissions. The provision was established by the National Energy Secretariat through Resolution 79/2026, published this Friday in the Official Gazette. The official text states that through this adjustment, 'contents of up to 15% by volume of bioethanol in gasoline are permitted'. Furthermore, the regulation clarifies that the adjustment of the oxygen parameter 'is exclusively due to the increase in bioethanol content, without implying the incorporation of other oxygenated compounds'. Authorities emphasized that the resolution does not modify the mandatory blend or impose new requirements on companies, but rather seeks to favor an efficient market operation. Regarding diesel fuel, the current technical specification that already provides for mixtures of up to 20% biodiesel remains in effect.
