Mbabane – Motorists in Eswatini could soon be filling their vehicles with petrol containing at least 10 per cent locally produced bio-ethanol, as Government moves to introduce a regulatory framework for mandatory ethanol blending.
The proposed blending of bio-ethanol with Unleaded Petrol Regulations, 2025, currently before the Senate, could fundamentally change the country’s fuel supply chain by creating a guaranteed market for locally produced ethanol while reducing reliance on imported petroleum products.
The regulations were the focus of a parliamentary workshop hosted by Minister of Natural Resources and Energy HRH Prince Lonkhokhela, who told senators that the initiative was aimed at strengthening energy security, promoting sustainable practices and creating opportunities for local industry.
The proposed framework provides for unleaded petrol to be blended with at least 10 per cent locally produced bio-ethanol. This would see a portion of the petrol consumed in the country replaced by ethanol produced locally, effectively linking Eswatini’s sugar industry with its petroleum and energy sectors.
The move is backed by infrastructure already established by the Royal Eswatini Sugar Corporation (RES Corporation), which has constructed an anhydrous ethanol plant capable of producing fuel-grade ethanol suitable for petrol blending.
Addressing the senators, Minister of Natural Resources and Energy Prince Lonkhokhelo said government’s decision to move towards a formal regulatory framework followed a two-year pilot project conducted in partnership with RES Corporation.
The pilot was intended to establish whether ethanol blending could be implemented safely and effectively before the country moved towards wider adoption.Prince Lonkhokhela said the experience demonstrated the need for clear regulations to govern the sector, particularly in areas such as quality, safety, licensing and compliance.
Under the proposed system, the Eswatini National Petroleum Company (ENPC) is expected to serve as the blender in accordance with the Petroleum Act, 2020.
The regulations will also define the responsibilities of blenders, wholesalers and retailers and establish oversight mechanisms intended to ensure compliance and accountability.
Worth noting, government has previously identified ethanol blending as part of its broader energy reforms and Just Energy Transition strategy. The country’s renewable-energy programme has also identified E10, a blend of 10 per cent ethanol and 90 per cent petrol, as a potential biofuel option.
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