The government will push ahead with the B10 biodiesel plan despite concerns on suitability, but consumers will get a choice. This follows the hasty introduction of the 10% palm oil blend last month, and subsequent postponement after carmakers voiced their concerns.
“The B10 standard, which has been in development since 2013, has been given the provisional standard under MS 2535:2013(P). In this context, the government will ensure that all B10 sold in the country complies with this standard. Currently, a number of automotive manufacturers including Mercedes Benz, Scania, Peugeot, UD Truck and Volvo Truck had indicated acceptance of B10,” MPIC told The Sun.
The ministry added that there was extensive consultation with stakeholders such as Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA), Malaysian Automobile Association (MAA), petroleum companies and biodiesel producers ahead of the B10 programme. Additionally, the government through the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) had conducted B10 field trials on 75 vehicles since January 2013.
“The trials indicates no negative effects such as engine oil dilution, fuel filter plugging and fuel injector clogging. Currently, some MPOB vehicles are also running on B20 without any problem reported,” it said.
From feedback obtained through test results and field trials, the B10 programme will be implemented with the following exemptions:
- petrol stations in highlands including Cameron Highlands and Genting Highlands in Pahang, as well as Kundasang in Sabah will be allowed to continue supply of B7
- petrol stations selling Euro 5 grade diesel will be allowed to retail the B7 blend
This means that for now, diesel car owners will get a choice between B10 biodiesel and the current B7 blend Euro 5 diesel (7% palm oil), which is available at over 100 stations nationwide.
“It’s not that we don’t support B10 biodiesel. But there is the matter of scientific and replicable data. Car makers need to respect their customers in terms of warranties,” an industry player told The Sun last month.
The MAA claims that the usage of biodiesel in grades higher than B7 may result in fatty-acid methyl ester mixing with motor oil, causing the oil to thin and possibly leading to sludging in the engine. BMW Malaysia, Isuzu, Toyota and Volkswagen are not for B10, but Mercedes-Benz Malaysia says that its diesel-powered vehicles will be fully compatible with the B10 blend.
“It was noted at the meeting that a few days’ test drive of a few diesel cars up and down Cameron Highlands does not constitute a robust trial. It would be ideal if MPOB could do a lab research in cooperation with the relevant automakers. Even JAMA has cautioned its members with operations in Malaysia against the use of the type of B10 biodiesel as proposed by MPOB,” an MAA council member said.
Also, diesel fuel injection equipment manufacturers – among them Robert Bosch, Denso Corporation, Delphi Diesel System and Continental Automotive – have issued a Common Position statement stating all their fuel injection equipment is designed to work with a mixture of B7 biodiesel to EN14214:2009 standard.
The use of B10 is backed by MPOB and the Malaysian Biodiesel Association, and will benefit the palm oil industry. Their ultimate target is B20. More on the argument from both camps here.
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Those whose engine spoiled by the B10 diesel should sent their repair bill to the MPOB and the Malaysian Biodiesel association. If they refuse to pay you, send a lawyer to them. Lawyers always scare these dumb people.
Thumbs up BHP. Ahead of times and very clean BHP stations in Johor
Be prepared for a lengthy legal process.. They have their own legal team to counter the suit. Those without the financial mean will find it difficult to oppose to these people.
On the other hand, those with diesel powered cars especially continental ones will have no choice but to pump Euro B7 grade creating shortage in the market. And those develop problems with the engine will definitely not getting any warranty from the manufacturer
“Brilliant ideas”… when you have such a choice whomin the right mind will pump B10 diesel unless it is cheaper than B7 diesel ? If given more choice, people would prefer B0 as in no palm bio-diesel
What’s new. And the cronies win again… B10, B20, B30 and so on and so forth. Sc#$%w the rakyat as long as they fill their pockets.
does the current Euro 5 diesel already contain 7% palm oil??
Yes it does. The problem here isn’t BHP instead it’s the Automakers refusal to give us better engines. Bio-Diesel works on Euro 5/6 engines, the engines they are supplying us are for Euro 2-4 which in terms of performance and emissions are worse than Euro 5/6 engines. Euro 5/6 engines works best with B20 (20% bio diesel).
But here’s the big catch. Euro 5/6 engines are developed for Europe or more precisely cold climate. We all heard how often those brands that was mentioned have issues here due to heat, on the other hand the ones against the change doesn’t have much issue here with heat.
So the massive question here is, will those brands develop engines, transmissions and drive trains that complies to Euro 5/6 standards for hot climate countries. We know the answer, they wouldn’t… So what would happen if they are forced to deliver us Euro 5/6 cars that was designed for cold countries? Bonfire everywhere, everyday, every time…
So are you saying engine that complies with euro 5/6 is not suitable for hot climate? What about dubai, california, spain or our neighbour singapore? I’ve never read anywhere saying the people at those places complain about heat
How much palm oil is there in petrol, if any?
It is a good effort by MPOB, as it will be an alternative to diesels, just in case there is shortage in the future.
However MPOB must work closely with major car manufacturers and be transparent on the results so as to gain their confidence and endorsements.
My concern if there is sufficient supply of Palm Oil in the future. If it is not, then the price could go up and be more expensive than diesel or petrol.
If there are no side effects to engine why are petrol stations in highlands enjoy continued supply of biodiesel 7% euro 2?
There must realize the side effects more pronounced on pickups plying steep roads which stress the engine more.
So my conclusion is there are side effects but they are sweeping it under the carpet.
Euro5/6 requires scr tech (adblue) for diesel engines to reach the req for euro5/6 standard. This is additional cost to the vehicle owner and euro5/6 req is that the engine derates on adblue finish or scr failure. The manufacturers do not need to meet the stringent level set in europe in asia market so there is no reason to sell such engine here.
We have biofuel plam oil 50%
Is there any volkswagen vehicle sold in Malaysia?
Current stations already selling B7 for quite some time, it just that majority user got no idea at all..
However industrial diesel will change from non-bio to B7 while stations from B7 to B10.. Hit me up if you wish to get industrial type.