B50 biodiesel mandate takes effect, minimal impact on vehicles, says expert

The Indonesian government’s regulation mandating the use of B50 biodiesel, a blend of 50% plant-based fuel and 50% diesel, took effect on 1 July 2026. Automotive expert Yannes Martinus Pasaribu stated that the change would not cause significant issues for diesel vehicles already using B40, a blend of 40% palm oil-based biodiesel and 60% diesel. “Because Indonesia has implemented B40 for more than a year, the solvent effect of B50 in cleaning old deposits in tanks and lines has been greatly reduced,” the researcher from the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) said on Wednesday. He explained that vehicles adapted to B40 would not need to clear substantial fuel deposits when switching to B50. Regarding environmental impact, Yannes noted that vehicles using B50 would produce lower emissions. “From an emissions standpoint, B50 is still better because it produces lower carbon monoxide and smoke, although, not significantly, it is slightly less efficient because its calorific value is lower,” he said. He added that overall, the performance of B50 is not much different from B40 for well-maintained vehicles. According to him, vehicles that have gone through the stages of using B30 and B40 do not require extensive deposit cleaning when switching to B50, so fuel filters do not need immediate replacement at the start of use. Yannes advised diesel vehicle users to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for periodic filter replacement, though older vehicles may require more frequent changes. He also recommended regularly checking the condition of seals and rubber components, as B50 biodiesel has slightly more aggressive properties. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of keeping the fuel tank clean, avoiding long-term storage of B50, and periodically using service centres familiar with biodiesel. “With consistent normal maintenance, diesel vehicles can use B50 safely and optimally,” he said. Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources spokesperson Dwi Anggia previously stated that the B50 regulation is ready for implementation across all sectors. Trials for B50 usage have been conducted on various vehicles and equipment, including ships, trains, mining vehicles, heavy machinery, and agricultural tools.