Fuel at Ukrainian gas stations will not become more expensive after the introduction of a mandatory requirement starting July 1, 2026, to add at least 7% bioethanol to gasoline in accordance with European E10 standards. Some fuel station networks already sell ethanol-blended fuel without price increases, and in some cases it is even cheaper than regular gasoline.
This was stated by Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine Taras Vysotskyi during a broadcast of the national telethon United News.
“Bioethanol is produced in Ukraine, which helps minimize logistics costs and ensures affordable production costs for gasoline. In general, the use of bioethanol is a common practice in European Union countries, and Ukraine’s vehicle fleet is largely ready for such changes. The vast majority of motorists can be calm about the technical condition of their vehicles. Engines manufactured after 2000 are already adapted to fuel containing a share of bioethanol,” Vysotskyi emphasized.
The deputy minister also dismissed concerns about a possible corn shortage or impacts on the food market.
“For the production of Ukraine’s required volume of bioethanol—about 200–300 thousand tonnes per year—approximately 600–800 thousand tonnes of corn are needed. At the same time, Ukraine grows around 30 million tonnes of this crop annually. Therefore, this will not affect food security. On the contrary, the production process of bioethanol yields valuable high-protein feed, which increases access to protein for livestock and helps reduce meat production costs,” he noted.
He also stressed that the new requirements will not create additional burdens for farmers regarding fuel storage infrastructure, as agricultural machinery mainly runs on diesel fuel.
“Ukraine views bioethanol as a promising export direction. Current production capacities already allow for at least twice the domestic demand for bioethanol. This is an important export-oriented product, and we see significant potential for developing this market,” he concluded.
