Adding bioethanol to fuel will not affect Ukraine’s food security

The introduction of a mandatory requirement from July 1, 2026, to blend at least 7% bioethanol into gasoline will not increase fuel prices or cause a shortage of corn in Ukraine.

This was stated by Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture, Taras Vysotskyi, during a television broadcast, according to the ministry’s press service.

“Bioethanol is produced in Ukraine, which helps minimize logistics costs and maintain an affordable production cost for gasoline. The use of bioethanol is already common practice across European Union countries, and the majority of Ukraine’s vehicle fleet is ready for this transition. Most motorists can be confident about the technical condition of their vehicles. Engines manufactured after 2000 are already adapted to operate on gasoline blended with bioethanol,” Taras Vysotskyi said.

The deputy minister also dismissed concerns about a potential corn shortage or negative impacts on the food market.

“To produce the volume of bioethanol required by Ukraine—approximately 200,000 to 300,000 tonnes per year—around 600,000 to 800,000 tonnes of corn will be needed. At the same time, Ukraine produces about 30 million tonnes of corn annually. Therefore, this will not affect food security. On the contrary, bioethanol production generates valuable high-protein feed products, increasing protein availability for the livestock sector and helping reduce meat production costs,” Vysotskyi noted.

He also emphasized that the new requirements will not create an additional burden for farmers through the need to modify fuel storage facilities, as agricultural machinery primarily operates on diesel fuel.

“Ukraine views bioethanol as a promising export sector. Current production capacities already allow the country to produce at least twice as much bioethanol as domestic demand requires. This is an important export-oriented product, and we see significant potential for further market development,” Taras Vysotskyi concluded.

Tags: biofuel, fuel