Jakarta, March 9 -- Indonesia will accelerate the mandatory blending of bioethanol into fuel as global oil prices surge, its Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said on March 9.

The move will require gasoline to contain 20% ethanol (E20) to reduce reliance on imports and lower fuel costs, Lahadalia said.

He added that the Indonesian Government will also expedite the implementation of a 50% biodiesel mandate (B50), a fuel blend of diesel and palm oil-based biofuel. Indonesia now enforces a 40% biodiesel mandate, known as B40.

"Given the current situation, the Government is seeking the best alternatives to safeguard the national energy supply," Lahadalia said, adding that the measures would also promote cleaner fuels....