Brazil biodiesel mandates go into effect

BRASILIA, Brazil, Jan. 2 (UPI) -- All diesel fuel sold in Brazil's 35,000 fuel stations will contain 2 percent biodiesel under new government mandates that went into effect Tuesday.

Preliminary data from the National Petroleum Agency suggest the Social Fuel Program is benefiting tens of thousands of Brazil's poorest farmers, according to Brazil Magazine.

Additional data from the NPA suggest the country will be able to save about $410 million a year on imported diesel. The B2 biodiesel blend will not affect the price of the fuel for the consumer, who will pay the same for a liter at the pump.

According to Nelson Hubner, the minister of mines and energy, biofuel won't increase costs for fuel marketing companies either. More than 380 million liters of biodiesel was commercialized to prepare for the switch.