Coconut Methyl Ester FAQ's

What is CME?

CME is the acronym for Coconut Methyl Ester or Coco-Biodiesel. Biodiesel, on the other hand, is the international name for methyl ester when used as diesel fuel or enhancer. (CME is not the same as the coco-diesel used in the 70's. Coco-diesel pertains to the use of crude coconut oil. Unlike Coco-Biodiesel this crude coconut oil did not undergo esterification.)

The properties of Coco-Biodiesel result in more efficient combustion that translates to increased engine power, longer mileage, and less emission.

Is Coco-Biodiesel safe to use on my engine?

YES! Coco-Biodiesel can be used in any diesel engine with little or no modification to the engine or fuel system. Also, blending Coco-Biodiesel actually improves the quality of the diesel fuel because of its properties like:

1. High lubricity, which protects your engine from wear.

2. Detergency, which cleans your fuel system.

3. Solvency, which dissolves and cleans you combustion chamber from carbon deposits.

How do I mix Coco-Biodiesel?

Simply add a 1% equivalent of Coco-Biodiesel to the fuel you are loading into your tank. For example, if you are loading 50 liters of diesel fuel, add 500 ml of Coco-Biodiesel. If you are refilling only 10 liters add only 100 ml of Coco-Biodiesel.

Why only 1%?

While the World Fuel Charter published by all automotive manufacturers worldwide allows blends of up to 5%, studies show that a 1% mix of Coco-Biodiesel is enough to significantly reduce emissions.

Won't the use of Coco-Biodiesel increase my spending on fuel?

Initially, it would appear that way. But think about this. Since you will gain more mileage per liter with the use of Coco-Biodiesel, your savings will amount to about P1 per additional kilometer traveled. In short, Coco-Biodiesel doubles the value of your fuel investment.

Where can I buy Coco-Biodiesel?

You can buy Coco-Biodiesel from distribution outlets and manufacturers/suppliers accredited by the Department of Energy (DOE). These DOE-Accredited outlets and suppliers sell Coco-Biodiesel that complies with Philippine National Standards (PNS 2020:2003). In addition, these manufacturers and suppliers have assured DOE of Coco-Biodiesel's continuous supply.

Is Coco-Biodiesel the solution to all fuel-related engine and emission problems of my vehicle?

Coco-Biodiesel is just one of the solutions to pollution and emission problems. To ensure optimum engine performance, a vehicle owner or driver should still carry out regular maintenance and practice good driving habits.

Is Coco-Biodiesel here to stay?

Coco-Biodiesel is a priority project of the Arroyo Administration. It is being implemented by DOE in collaboration with several government agencies: the Department of Environment & Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Science & Technology (DOST), Department of Transportation & Communications (DOTC), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), Department of Trade & Industry (DTI), and Department of Finance (DOF). It is likewise supported by the Technological University of the Philippines (TUP), Asian Institute of Petroleum Studies Inc. (AIPSI), and other academic and research institutions, transport groups, NGOs, and donor communities.

In addition, the critical step of instituting Coco-Biodiesel was taken by the President of the Republic of the Philippines by issuing Memorandum Circular No. 55 on February 9, 2004 "directing all departments, bureaus, offices, agencies and instrumentalities of the government, including government-owned and controlled corporations to incorporate the use of one percent (1%) by volume Coconut Methyl Ester in their diesel requirements."

With all the benefits of Coco-Biodiesel and with all the support that it is getting, we can be assured that it will be a sustainable and strategic approach in cleaning the air and energizing the economy.