ThePrint ·
Chile weighs ethanol-gasoline blend as government seeks cheaper fuels amid fiscal strains
By Kylie Madry Sept 17 (Reuters) - Chile, one of Latin America's largest oil importers, has started to consider adopting ethanol-blended gasoline as spiking oil prices this year have strained the
Sept 17 (Reuters) – Chile, one of Latin America’s largest oil importers, has started to consider adopting ethanol-blended gasoline as spiking oil prices this year have strained the economy and government finances, according to documents seen by Reuters.
The energy ministry has drafted a proposal to shift to E10 ethanol blending — mixing 10% ethanol with gasoline — that could reduce government fuel supply costs by approximately $107 million annually, according to a memo prepared by ministry officials.
Data from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, or OPEC, showed that Chile imported 181,000 barrels per day of crude oil in 2025. Oil prices have soared during the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran. Brent, the global benchmark for crude oil, traded at over $105 a barrel on Wednesday, up from about $73 a barrel before the war began.
