More maize needed for US biofuel

Demand for maize will be boosted by a US announcement that its road fuels will be allowed to contain up to 15% bioethanol in future.

The recent US Environmental Protection Agency announcement was widely expected and allows cars and light trucks made since 2007 to use the new higher rate blend, up from the current 10% rate.

Further research is being carried out into the implications of higher biofuel blends for vehicles manufactured between 2000 and 2006, with the result of this work likely to be announced next month.

The fuel trade is expected to need several months to prepare before forecourts can offer higher biofuel inclusion rates, it says.